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Queensland Transport
Home > Industry > Accreditations > Traffic controller accreditation scheme

Traffic controller accreditation scheme

Traffic controllers help make roads safer for people during road construction, road maintenance and special events.

It is important that there is a scheme in place to improve safety for all road users, including traffic controllers.

The traffic controller accreditation scheme was introduced to achieve these outcomes.

The following information refers to the Traffic Controller Accreditation Scheme Approved Procedure (PDF**, 189KB).

The following information refers to the Main Roads Technical Training Solutions specification for the traffic controller vest set and shirt option. (PDF**, 44KB)

Previously, traffic controller applications were mailed to Queensland Transport's customer service centre in Cairns for processing. Now, all Queensland Transport customer service centres (PDF**, 18KB) that conduct industry licensing business can process these applications.

The Queensland Transport customer service centre in Cairns will no longer accept mailed applications.

Use the following links to find the information you need:

  • Do all people who control traffic need accreditation?
  • How do I become an accredited traffic controller?
  • What do I do if I am a current interstate traffic controller?
  • Who provides traffic controller training?
  • How long does the accreditation last?
  • How much does traffic controller accreditation cost?
  • What happens if I change employer?
  • What are my responsibilities as an employer...
  • Do I need to abide by certain procedures?
  • What happens if a traffic controller breaches...
  • How do I renew my accreditation?
  • What do I do if I change my details or lose...
  • Contacts
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    Do all people who control traffic need accreditation?

    No, some people who control traffic do not need to be accredited under the traffic controller scheme. These people include police officers, escort vehicle drivers, Queensland Transport school crossing supervisors, State Emergency Service officers and people who direct or divert traffic within a car park.

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    How do I become an accredited traffic controller?

    If you want to be an accredited traffic controller in Queensland, you must:

    The Information sheet - How to Become an Accredited Traffic Controller (PDF**, 59KB) contains information about entry requirements, our processes and your requirements and responsibilities as an accredited traffic controller.

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    What do I do if I am a current interstate traffic controller?

    You are not authorised to control traffic in Queensland until you are accredited in Queensland. It is acceptable that you undertake a shorter training course rather than the complete training course prior to lodging your application.

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    Who provides traffic controller training?

    In many areas there will be a range of approved traffic controller training providers to choose from. The Department of Main Roads Approved Traffic Controller Training Providers (PDF**, 73KB) is responsible for providing the approved traffic controller training course.

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    How long does the accreditation last?

    Traffic controller accreditation is issued for three years. Before your accreditation expires, a renewal notice and application form will be posted to your latest address on record with Queensland Transport. It is your responsibility to ensure that you maintain current accreditation when performing traffic controller duties.

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    How much does traffic controller accreditation cost?

    The fee for traffic controller accreditation for 2008-09 is A$114.30 for a three year period. This amount includes a CrimTrac fee of A$32.05. The CrimTrac fee covers the cost of a criminal history check and is a one-off fee that is paid at the time of initial application.

    The fee for a replacement identity card for 2008-09 is A$17.55.

    While payment of the accreditation fee is your responsibility, it is acceptable in some companies/sectors for your employer to pay the fee on your behalf.

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    What happens if I change employer?

    Your traffic controller accreditation is valid across the industry. Once issued with your accreditation, you may work in the traffic control industry anywhere in Queensland. There is no requirement under the traffic controller scheme for you to undergo further traffic controller training when changing employers.

    However, employers may choose to provide additional traffic controller training and/or workplace induction training to meet specific operational needs and/or workplace, health and safety obligations.

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    What are my responsibilities as an employer of traffic controllers?

    Employers of traffic controllers must only use accredited traffic controllers and ensure their working conditions comply with the Traffic Controller Accreditation Scheme Approved Procedure, as well as occupational and safety guidelines.

    The Traffic Controller Accreditation Scheme Approved Procedure (PDF**, 189KB) outlines the responsibilities for traffic controller employers.

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    Do I need to abide by certain procedures?

    Accredited traffic controllers are required to operate at the highest standards and comply with the terms and conditions of their accreditation. The functions and responsibilities of traffic controllers are contained in the document Traffic Controller Accreditation Scheme Approved Procedure (PDF**, 189KB).

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    What happens if a traffic controller breaches the approved procedures?

    Authorised officers such as Queensland police officers and Queensland Transport inspectors may issue a penalty infringement notice (on-the-spot fine) or initiate prosecution action by way of complaint and summons, to an accredited traffic controller for failing to comply with the terms and conditions of their accreditation.

    Queensland Transport may issue the holder of a traffic controller accreditation with a notice asking the holder to show cause why their accreditation should not be amended, suspended or cancelled.

    An authorised officer who is a police officer may shut down a worksite if it is deemed unsafe or the actions of a traffic controller make it unsafe. An authorised workplace health and safety officer employed by the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations also has the authority to shut down a worksite.

    Details of enforcement and disciplinary actions are contained in the document Traffic Controller Accreditation Scheme Approved Procedure (PDF**, 189KB).

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    How do I renew my accreditation?

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    What do I do if I change my details or lose my accreditation card?

    If your identity card is lost, stolen, or damaged, or any of your details have changed, you may apply to have a replacement card issued:

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    Contacts

    Training Providers
    Approved Traffic Controller Training Providers (PDF**, 73KB).

    For further information on the traffic controller training course contact:
    Technical Training Solutions, Queensland Department of Main Roads phone +61 7 3834 2734a.

    If you wish to provide feedback about an approved traffic controller training provider, please send your written feedback to:

    Technical Training Solutions
    Queensland Department of Main Roads
    GPO Box 1412
    Brisbane Queensland 4001

    General traffic controller accreditation scheme enquiries
    Queensland Transport, phone 13 23 80b.

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    Last updated 16 July 2008

    An image of a road sign saying traffic controller accreditation scheme