Pre-approved reusable schemes

A pre-approved reusable scheme (PARS) is a reusable traffic management plan (TMP) for activities that occur in many places or require a quick response. Instead of tying controls to one location, it sets out:

the types of activities it covers
the road environments it applies to
the traffic management layouts that may be used
clear exclusions, boundaries and decision-making rules.

On-site staff, like the site traffic management specialist (STMS), use these rules to choose the appropriate set up for the situation and environment. Every worksite still needs a risk assessment, but PARS let you shift some of that judgement to the people on the ground.

If your work is repetitive, mobile or time-sensitive (like inspections, urgent repairs or cyclic maintenance) you may be able to use a PARS instead of preparing a full site-specific TMP each time.

PARS align with the risk-based approach in the New Zealand guide to temporary traffic management. When they’re designed and used properly, PARS make it faster and easier to do safe, efficient work on the state highway.

When to use a PARS
PARS are especially useful for:
- emergency or urgent works
- regular inspections or surveys
- mobile operations over wide areas
- cyclic maintenance like mowing or litter pickup.
PARS can be national (used across all state highways), regional, project, or activity-specific. All PARS must be approved by the RCA Temporary Traffic Management Centre before they can be used.
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What we look for
Because a PARS is broader than a one-off TMP, we’ll focus more on how your systems manage risk. Your application needs to show:
- robust procedures – standard operating procedures, training systems, and decision tools to support safe operations
- clear scope – exactly what the PARS covers and what it doesn’t
- fit-for-purpose layouts – a curated list of traffic management options, not a catch-all catalogue
- good practice references – where your methods come from (eg practice notes or risk assessments)
- on-site decision-making – how your site traffic management specialistwill assess the site and choose the right layout.
We’re looking for clear, succinct, usable plans that empower trained people to do the right thing.
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How to apply for a PARS
1. Prepare your documentation, making sure it’s modular, risk-based, and easy to follow.
2. Submit through myWorksites using the global PARS application function.
3. Wait for our review team to assess and respond.
4. Once approved, follow the normal process for time and space booking and live deployment.
Contact us if you’re not sure whether a PARS is right for your activity, or you’d like help structuring your application:

Email the RCA Temporary Traffic Management Centre rttmc@nzta.govt.nz

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