You should approach the local council about the possible traffic and transport issues that could arise as a result of your event activity. This includes setting up (bump-in) and dismantling (bump-out) the event site. The council will advise you about who you need to speak to and the documentation you may need to provide (see 4. Who should you talk to?).

10.1 TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT PLAN

If you anticipate that your event will have an impact on traffic and/or transport then you might be required to develop a transport management plan (TMP) and the council will advise accordingly. You should work closely with them in preparing the TMP so that you include all relevant information.

The TMP will address all issues associated with traffic and transport at your event including (but not limited to):

• event summary
• contact details
• Traffic Control Plan (describing how you will control the movement of traffic affected by the event activity)
• assessment of risks involved in the control and movement of traffic around the event including occupational health and safety issues (also see 6. Safety and security)
• arrangements for people with a disability (also see 11. Accessibility)
• details of public liability insurance
• any special approvals required for the event, e.g. from police if the event is a road-race
• evidence that appropriate authorities have been notified about the event
• any alternative route to be taken by traffic during the event
• parking arrangements
• public transport arrangements
• contingency plans
• special event clearways
• the impact of heavy vehicles.

You should begin discussing your TMP with the local council as soon as practicable but no later than four months before the event (also see 4. Who should you talk to?).

For detailed information about TMPs and other transport and traffic issues download the RTA’s Special events guide at www.rta.nsw.gov.au  
                                                                                                                         

10.2 ROAD CLOSURES

If your event requires the closure of any public roads you will be required to submit a transport management plan (see 10. Traffic and transport issues). Reasons to close roads include:

• to set up/pack up the event
• the event activity takes place on roads e.g. road-race or marathon
• large numbers of pedestrians are expected
• trucks will be moving large objects
• heavy vehicles will be used.

You should speak to the local council about any proposed road closure (see 4. Who should you talk to?). The council is obliged to seek permission from the RTA for the closure of any public roads. There is a legal requirement that you give residents affected by road closures at least seven days’ notice by advertising the closures in local and/or metropolitan newspapers as directed by the RTA and council (this will depend on the impact of the event). 
                                                                                                                            

10.3 PARKING

It is important to provide sufficient parking for people attending and working at the event. If your event is not accessible by scheduled public transport it may be necessary to provide hired shuttle bus services and/or additional parking spaces.

If existing parking facilities at the event location are inadequate, consider nearby parking stations. If you need to set up additional parking areas, certified traffic marshals may be required. Remember to provide easily accessible parking spaces close to the event for people with a disability (also see 11. Accessibility).

When planning where to put parking, ensure you allow access for emergency vehicles. Parking areas and vehicle entrances and exits should be indicated on your site plan and car parking should be communicated to patrons before the event (see 6. Safety and securityand 8. Communication plan). You may be required to submit a parking plan as part of your transport management plan (see 10. Traffic and transport issues). 
                                                                                                                           

10.4 PUBLIC TRANSPORT

An event that is serviced by public transport has a number of advantages, including:

• a reduction in congestion on roads around the event
• fewer parking facilities are required for private cars (see 10. Traffic and transport issues)
• the event is more accessible to people who cannot travel by car.
You should also consider coordinating public transport that is accessible to people with a disability (also see 11. Accessibility).

• State Transit Authority, which coordinates Sydney and Newcastle bus services, and Newcastle ferries. For more information telephone the State Transit Authority on (02) 9245 5777 or visit their website at www.sta.nsw.gov.au

• Sydney Ferries Corporation, which coordinates ferry services in Sydney Harbour and on Parramatta River. For more information telephone (02) 9246 8300 or visit their website at www.sydneyferries.info

• RailCorp, which coordinates rail services, as well as transport messages for major events on behalf of the public transport agencies. For more information call RailCorp on (02) 9379 4948 or visit their website at www.railcorp.info

• Taxi Council of NSW, which coordinates taxi services. For more information call the Taxi Council on (02) 9332 1266 or visit their website at www.nswtaxi.org.au
• Bus and Coach Association (NSW), which represents the private bus industry and has information on charter operators. For more information call
(02) 8839 9500 or visit their website at www.bcansw.com.au