The Traffic Management Contractors Association (TMCA) was established in 1989. Indeed its formation was encouraged by the then Dept of Transport (now Highways Agency). Its primary interest is the provision and maintenance of traffic management for roadworks on trunk roads, motorways, and other high speed carriageways.

As traffic flows increase the opportunities for placing, maintaining and removing the signs, cones, adhesive studs, etc., become fewer and of shorter duration. Furthermore, the introduction of four, five and even six lane motorways greatly increase the hazards associated with this type of work. At the same time, the types of contract now used put great pressure on the traffic management contractor, often requiring him to carry out work at short notice and at times that are not as planned and, quite often, otherwise unsuitable. To help reduce the risks associated with these works the TMCA produced a training video entitled "Your Life on the Line" and a complementary Notes for Guidance booklet. These two aids provide a basis for the formal training carried out by members. Production of "Your Life on the Line" was supported by the Highways Agency, and many copies were sold to non members. This has now been superseded by “Your Life in the Fast Lane”.

Because of the obvious danger associated with its work TMCA were of the opinion that traffic management contractors should be Quality Assured. Indeed, it is now a requirement for entry to the Association as a full member. The question of whether QA should be a specified requirement has been a subject discussed at a number of meetings with the Department of Transport/Highways Agency over the last ten years. TMCA were delighted that the Department included this requirement in the specification for Highway works from January 1999..

Highways Agency Sector Scheme 12A,B,C,D

As you are aware as of the 1st January 1999 the above scheme relating to Static Temporary Traffic Management on Motorway and High Speed Dual Carriageways, for On Line Widening Schemes and Schemes incorporating Contra flow Operations, came into force.
With effect from 1st September 2000 the scheme was extended to cover ALL Type A works on Motorways and high speed dual Carriageways.
In other words, any Traffic Management with temporary road markings came into this specification. This was a substantial change to the 12A scheme.

Other information that is available now.

Sector Scheme 12C came into effect on the 1st January 2001 (this relates to Mobile Lane Closures)
Sector Scheme 12B came into effect on the 1st April 2001 (This relates to type B works)
Sector Scheme 12D came into effect in June 2006.
The members of the TMCA has been instrumental in developing Safety training for operatives, and in association with LANTRA have created on site occupational assessments which attains NVQ qualifications for Operatives and Foreman. To comply with the Sector Scheme, Traffic Management operatives must be trained, have been assessed and be qualified card carrying personnel.

The TMCA are also heavily involved with two initiatives with the Highways Agency as a member of the following:-
1. The Roadworker Safety Forum (RoWSaF) chaired by Ginny Clarke.
2. The Technical Project Board tasked with the update of Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual.