Stock movement and public roads

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) is to be used when moving stock on a public road.

Risks
Collisions with motor vehicles or other road traffic.

Personal Protective Equipment
If using motorbikes or an ATV, helmets are to be worn as per standard practice.

Minimum Operator Requirements:

  • Stockpeople must be under direct supervision until assessed as competent by person in charge of the workplace.
  • Vehicles, ATV’s or two wheel motorcycles operators must meet requirements of relevant Safe Work Procedure.

Communication Process
• If available, cellular or radio communications are to be used to communicate between the front and back of the mob.

Equipment

  • Stock warning signs.
  • Means of communication (if available) e.g. radio or cell phone.
  • High visibility reflective jacket or high visibility vest.
  • Pilot vehicles must have flashing amber beacons.

General Procedure

1. Confirm the requirements with local council for stock movement on local roads.

2. Confirm the requirements with local regional council for movement on State Highways.

3. Stock warning signs and pilot vehicles must be in place where road traffic has adequate time to stop.

  • Any sign/pilot vehicles must be visible from 3 x the speed limit in metres ahead of and behind stock.
  • Distance from Lead and Tail Pilot Vehicles to stock must be 3 x the speed limit in metres ahead of and behind stock

4. No movement is to occur on the road during hours of darkness or when visibility is less than 100 metres.

5. Livestock in one mob cannot exceed 600 head of cattle or 3000 head of sheep.

6. Stock is to be kept moving at all times.

7. There is to be a minimum of two stockpeople for the task. One in front and one at the rear of the mob. They are to maintain control of the stock and alert traffic.

8. Advise traffic on how to move through the mob if they are uncertain.

9. Further detail can be found at Waka Kotahi under CoPTTM Section I-5. A

10. A short form Traffic Management Plan can be found here