AITDSA Scheme

The AITDSA Panel is central to the operation of AITDSA and draws on the collective knowledge and experience of Australian and New Zealand transport agencies to assess the suitability of innovative devices and solutions.

The AITDSA Panel consists of members representing each Australian state and territory, as well as New Zealand.

The AITDSA Panel performs an overarching role in assessing innovative devices and solutions presented for assessment through AITDSA and gives validity to the assessment and recommendation process.   Through this process the AITDSA Panel determines whether (on a case-by-case basis) independent testing, field deployment and/or expert advice is required as part of the assessment, and for the Panel to make a recommendation.

Recommendations for the use of innovation devices and solutions are made by the AITDSA Panel after having considered the above, environmental, operational and training requirements which contribute to a holistic approach.

The recommendations from the AITDSA Panel will assist in accepting and adopting innovative devices and solutions for use in each Australian and New Zealand jurisdiction.

AITDSA is intended to recognise innovative temporary traffic management devices and solutions used on public roads in Australia and New Zealand. Innovative devices and solutions may perform a diverse range of functions, including (but not limited to):

• regulating traffic (i.e., to assign priority and indicate regulations in force)
• informing motorists of hazards or regulatory controls ahead
• warning of temporary hazards that could endanger motorists or workers and plant engaged in work on the road.

AITDSA is not intended for innovative devices and solutions which already:

• fully conform with Australian Standard AS1742.3 (Traffic Control for Works on Roads) and/or the New Zealand Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (NZGTTM) and associated documents , and/or
• have obtained approval for use in one or more jurisdictions in Australia or New Zealand.

However, Austroads members may require an innovative device or a solution to be assessed and recommended for use through AITDSA where:

• the device/solution partially conforms with AS1742.3 and/or  NZGTTM and associated documents
• the device/solution has obtained approval in one or more jurisdictions in Australia or New Zealand, but the use of the ITDS is sought in other jurisdictions
• risks and issues have been recognised from the in-field operation of the ITDS which conform with AS1742.3 and/or NZGTTM and associated documents, or have obtained approval from one or more jurisdictions in Australia or New Zealand.

AITDSA is not intended for devices and solutions which are designed and used for the purpose of crash protection at work sites – these are managed through the Austroads Safety Barrier Assessment Program (ASBAP).

The AITDSA assessment  process (led by the AITDSA Panel) takes into account:

• what the innovative device/solution is intended to do
• environment parameters (the environments it can or cannot be used in)
• operational arrangements (the conditions necessary for safe use)
• training requirements (the user training needed to ensure its safe use)
• the interface and updating the Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (to ensure there is an alignment).

The AITDSA scheme also provides a critical link to:

• ensuring the Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management can support an innovative device or solution which has been recommended for use
• any training necessary for an Austroads member to be informed to adopt an innovative device or solution for use.

AITDSA assessment process model

Innovative devices and solutions which represent a major advancement to temporary traffic management are likely to attract a more intensive assessment process.

The level of assessment may be influenced by:

• the complexity of the innovative device or solution
• the environmental parameters, operational conditions and training requirements to enable the safe operation of the innovative device or solution
• where the innovative device or solution sits within a hierarchy of temporary traffic management controls
• the extent of in-field testing and/or operational experience which the innovative device or solution has been subject to
• whether the innovative device or solution has been assessed and recognised for use in other regions internationally
• any other factors which may influence the overall risk-profile of the innovative device or solution from a holistic perspective.

Where the AITDSA Panel determines a need for independent assessments and/or specialist advice to inform the assessment process, this will be communicated to Sponsors.

Phase One – Fee Payable: $1,500 (non-refundable)

This fee is payable upon submission of the device or solution and covers the costs of:

• reviewing documentation
• initial technical review
• obtaining further information and seeking clarification from sponsors or technical experts
• engaging with stakeholders as required
• preparing papers for presentation to AITDSA Panel.

Please note that payment of this fee does not guarantee progression to Phase Two.

Phase Two – Fee Payable: $3,500 (non-refundable)

This fee is payable when the AITDSA Panel agrees to progress the device or solution to the assessment phase.

An additional fee may apply for innovative devices and solutions that are more complex and require a more intensive assessment. Sponsors will be consulted if this is the case.

The additional fee may be influenced by:

• the complexity of the innovative device or solution
• the environmental parameters, operational conditions, and training requirements to enable the safe operation of the innovative device or solution
• where the innovative device or solution sits within a hierarchy of temporary traffic management controls
• the extent of in-field testing and/or operational experience, which the innovative device or solution may be subject to
• any other factors which may influence the overall risk profile of the innovative device or solution from a holistic perspective
• whether the AITDSA Panel determines that independent assessments and/or specialist advice are required to support the assessment process.

The Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management proposed the development of a national approach to:

• recognise new and innovative devices used in temporary traffic management environments
• relieve jurisdictions of the burden of assessing and approving TTM devices
• provide a harmonised approach to the recognition of approved TTM devices across all Australian and New Zealand jurisdictions
• enable the sharing of knowledge and practical experience between member agencies in their use of traffic control devices.

AITDSA responds to these proposals.

The webinar below, presented by Austroads Temporary Traffic Management Project Manager Chris Koniditsiotis and AITDSA Workstream Manager Gavin Hill, provides an overview of the AITDSA scheme.

Webinar: Austroads Innovative Temporary Traffic Management Device and Solution Assessment (AITDSA) Scheme