Temporary Traffic Lights: When to Use Them on Site

Managing traffic safely is one of the most important aspects of running a construction site, event, or roadwork project. Whether it’s maintaining access for the public or protecting your workers in live traffic environments, having a safe and compliant traffic control plan is essential.

Temporary traffic lights are a proven solution when traffic controllers alone aren’t enough. They help regulate flow, reduce risks, and keep your site operating smoothly.

This article will cover:

• When temporary traffic lights are needed on site
• Safety and compliance requirements.
• The different types of temporary traffic lights available.
• How United Rentals can support your traffic management needs.

When to Use Temporary Traffic Lights

Temporary traffic lights are used wherever vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists need to be safely guided through or around a worksite. Common applications include:

• Roadworks - managing alternating one-way traffic where lanes are closed.
• Construction sites - controlling access to site entry points, haul roads, or crane crossings.
• Events - maintaining a safe flow of vehicles and crowds during festivals, concerts, or sports events.
• Emergency works - rapid deployment during utility or infrastructure repairs.
• Rural or regional roads - where long stretches make manual traffic control impractical or unsafe.

By automating stop/go control, temporary traffic lights reduce reliance on manual labour, minimise risk to workers, and improve traffic flow efficiency.

Safety and Compliance Requirements

Temporary traffic lights aren’t just about convenience; they must meet strict safety and regulatory requirements to protect both workers and road users.

AS 4191: Portable Traffic Signal Systems

This Australian Standard sets out the design, performance, and testing requirements for portable traffic signal systems. It covers:

• Signal visibility and brightness - ensuring lights are clearly visible in day and night conditions.
• Fail-safe modes - requiring a default flashing yellow mode if the system loses power or malfunctions.
• Cycle times and sequencing - to maintain safe and predictable traffic flow.
• Structural stability - so units remain secure in adverse weather or roadside conditions.

Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (AGTTM)

The Austroads guide is the national framework for safe and consistent temporary traffic management across Australia and New Zealand. It includes:

• Planning and design of Traffic Control Plans (TCPs).
• Requirements for risk assessment before using temporary signals.
• Guidance on placement distances, sight lines, and signage to ensure drivers have adequate warning and visibility.
• Safe operation practices for traffic controllers when signals are deployed.

Failure to comply with these standards can result in project shutdowns, fines, or legal liability in the event of an incident. That’s why hiring equipment that is engineered, approved, and regularly serviced is essential.

Types of Temporary Traffic Lights

United Rentals offers a complete range of traffic light hire systems designed for different applications and compliance needs:

Tripod-Mounted Traffic Lights

• Lightweight and portable.
• Operated manually in singles or pairs by a traffic controller using a handheld remote.
• Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion phosphate battery (requires daily charging).
• Packs away neatly into a kit bag for easy transport and storage.
• Best suited for short-term, last-minute traffic management, events, and temporary access control.

Trailer-Mounted Traffic Lights

• Solar powered with maintenance-free batteries.
• Configurable for 2, 3, or 4-way traffic control.
• 7 days of continuous operation without sunlight for maximum reliability.
• Fail-safe flashing yellow mode when power is low.
• Easy-Link trailer coupling system for rapid towing and setup.
• Extendable outriggers for stability in all conditions.
• RMS-approved and compliant with AS 4191.
• Ideal for roadworks, construction, utilities, council works, and events.

The United Rentals Advantage

With United Rentals, you get more than just traffic lights. You get:

1. Nationally compliant equipment maintained to Australian Standards.
2. Expert advice to integrate temporary traffic lights into your Traffic Control Plan (TCP).
3. Flexible hire terms for both short-term and long-term projects.
4. 24/7 support to keep your project moving safely and efficiently.

Whether you need portable tripod lights for an event or RMS-approved trailer systems for roadworks, United Rentals has the right solution to keep traffic safe, controlled, and compliant.

Conclusion

Temporary traffic lights are an essential tool for managing traffic safely and efficiently across roadworks, construction projects, and events. By understanding when to use them, meeting compliance requirements, and hiring the right equipment, you can keep your project moving while protecting workers and the public.

Need traffic lights for your next project?

Contact United Rentals today to discuss tripod or trailer-mounted options that meet your compliance and operational needs.

For more information about our complete range of shoring services and equipment, visit your nearest branch, email [email protected], or call our friendly team of experts at 1800 UR HIRE.