Definitions of terms

Some of the terms listed below may have different meanings depending on their context in a particular section of the manual. Contact info@nzta.govt.nz if you require clarification.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

85th percentile

The value at which 85% of the sample is included. Only 15% of the sample will exceed the 85th percentile. In speed sample analysis, 85% of the vehicles surveyed will travel at or below the 85th percentile speed.

AADT

See annual average daily traffic.

Active traffic control

Control by means of a device that is displayed when the presence of a hazard is automatically detected and the person to be controlled responds accordingly.

Active warning sign

A sign incorporating flashing lights and/or LED components that are only displayed when the presence of a hazard is automatically detected.

Advance direction sign

A sign placed on an approach to, and in advance of, an intersection, junction or interchange, indicating the direction of routes and destinations beyond the intersection, junction or interchange.

Advertising signs

A sign displaying an advertisement. An advertising sign (or device) is distinguished from an information sign (or device) by having a style and format unique to the enterprise it refers to, while an information sign has a standard format for all enterprises of a similar nature.

Advisory sign

A sign that provides road users with information or guidance (including information about destinations, routes, amenities, distances, street names and place names). It could be a guide sign, route sign, motorist service sign, general information sign, street name sign, place name sign, etc.

Agency, the

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).

ALCAM

Australian Level Crossing Assessment Model.

Annual average daily traffic (AADT)

The total volume of traffic passing a roadside observation point over the period of a calendar year, divided by the number of days in that year (365 or 366 days). Measured in vehicles per day (vpd).

Approach visibility

The visibility a driver approaching a level crossing protected by Give Way signs needs to be able to either:

1. see an oncoming train in time to stop before reaching the level crossing; or
2. continue at the approach speed and cross the level crossing safely ahead of a previously unseen train or a train far enough away to be clearly not a collision threat.

Arterial road

A road predominantly carrying through traffic from one region to another, and intra-regionally forming principal avenues of travel for traffic movement.

AS

Australian standard.

AS/NZS

Joint Australian and New Zealand standard.

Assembly of signs

Approved combinations of traffic signs installed on one pole and may include the single pole upon which they are installed.

Backing board

A larger surrounding panel or board on which a standard traffic sign (or combination of traffic signs) is placed, creating a border around the sign to enhance conspicuity of the sign.

Bicycle

A cycle with two wheels.

Billboard

A sign, often freestanding, consisting of a number of standard-sized poster panels. Advertising industry classification of billboards used in New Zealand are bulletin, poster, supasite and spectacular. A billboard could include an election sign, a road safety sign, a private or commercial advertising sign, etc.

Bulletin

A type of billboard normally 3 m wide by 1.5 m high.

Bus

A passenger service vehicle (as defined in section 2(1) of the Transport Services Licensing Act 1989) that has more than nine seating positions (including the driver’s seating position).

Bus lane

A lane reserved by a marking or sign installed at the start of the lane and at each point at which the lane resumes after an intersection, for the use of:

1. buses
2. cycles and motorcycles, unless either or both are specifically excluded by the signs.

Car park

A place where cars may be parked – also commonly referred to as parking lot.

Casual users

Casual users are usually short-term visitors to an area who would not be familiar with the parking systems in place. These types of users may warrant larger parking spaces being made available.

CCS

CCS Disability Action Incorporated, the major issuer of disabled parking permits in New Zealand.

Changeable message sign

A sign capable of displaying alternative traffic operational or guidance messages. The messages may be changed manually, by remote control or by automatic control. The display may combine elements of static and variable (real-time) information.

Channelised intersection

An intersection provided with medians and islands for defining the trafficable area and to control specific movements.

Clearway

A length of roadway over which a no-stopping parking restriction applies for the purpose of increasing the number of through traffic lanes or providing increased space to allow for the free movement of traffic during the period for which the clearway restriction applies.

Clear zone

The desirable unobstructed roadside area available for the recovery of errant vehicles that have left the road.

Coach

A passenger service vehicle that has more than nine seating positions inclusive of the driver’s seating position, and that is engaged in the conveyance of persons on organised tours.

Collector road

A non-arterial road that collects and distributes traffic in an area, as well as serving abutting property.

Community facility sign

A form of a general interest sign that identifies community facilities and public amenities, including destinations of local importance.

Confirmation direction sign (CDS)

A sign located beyond intersections, junctions or interchanges to reassure drivers they are travelling towards their intended destination. The sign generally includes route distances to the places shown.

CoPTTM

The NZ Transport Agency’s Code of practice for temporary traffic management.

Crown entity

An organisation that forms part of the New Zealand state sector established under the Crown Entities Act 2004 and includes the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) (and Land Transport New Zealand and Transit New Zealand, which were merged to create the NZTA).

Cycle

1. A vehicle having at least two wheels designed primarily to be propelled by the muscular energy of the rider; and
2. includes a power-assisted cycle.

See also bicycle, unicycle, and wheeled recreational device.

Cycle lane

A longitudinal strip within a roadway reserved by a marking or sign designed for the passage of cycles.

Cycle path

1. Part of the road that is physically separated from the roadway that is intended for the use of cyclists, but which may be used also by pedestrians; and
2. includes a cycle track formed under section 332 of the Local Government Act 1974.

Deceleration distance

The distance it takes for motorists to reduce to a particular speed.

Deed of grant

A deed or agreement that grants easement of right of way pursuant to a statutory right to grant easements of right of way, for ONTRACK through section 35 of the New Zealand Railways Corporation Act 1981 or for other operators through common law rights of a landowner.

Delineation

A treatment that enhances the selection of the appropriate path and speed or position to allow a movement to be carried out safely and efficiently. It could include line marking, raised pavement markers, traffic cones, post-mounted reflectors, chevron signs, etc.

Delineator

A device, other than a simple post, used to improve delineation of the road environment to road users.

Design vehicle

For each nominated class of vehicle, the dimensional configuration that represents the characteristics that will encompass the greater number (nominally 99 percent) of the vehicles in the national fleet in that class.

Directly lit (sign)

Where a sign is illuminated or lit from an external source, such as a lamp directed at the sign.

Disabled (person with a disability)

Any person who suffers from physical or mental disablement to such a degree that they are seriously limited in the extent to which they can engage in the activities, pursuits and processes of everyday life (The building code and NZS4121: 2001).

Divided road

A road with separated roadways for traffic travelling in the opposite direction.

Driver

A person driving a vehicle; including the rider of an all-terrain vehicle, a motor cycle, a moped, a cycle, a mobility device or a wheeled recreational device.

Driveway

A defined area used by vehicles travelling between a public roadway and property adjacent to or near the road.
Drivers are not permitted to park over a driveway or within 1 m distance from the prolongation of the driveway.

Duration

The length of time in minutes or hours that a vehicle is permitted to be parked in a parking area.

Edge line

A broken or continuous white line marking (or kerb) used to indicate the far left or far right side of the roadway.

Externally lit (sign)

Where a sign is illuminated or lit through means of a directed light source at the traffic sign. The lighting is commonly attached directly to the sign and designed to direct adequate illumination over the entire face of the sign.

Flangeway

The space next to the rails of a railway line that allows the flanges of the rail vehicle’s wheels to pass through a level crossing or other raised areas.

FLB

Flashing lights and bells.

Fluorescent (material)

Material that emits optical radiation at wavelengths longer than absorbed.

Flush median

A median marked in accordance with 7.4(2) of the TCD Rule.

Footbridge

A grade-separated footpath, such as those over roads, rivers, etc.

Footpath

A path or way principally designed for, and used by, pedestrians; and includes a footbridge.
Users of mobility devices and wheeled recreational devices are permitted (unless specifically prohibited by the road controlling authority) to use a footpath.

Frangible

1. Roadside furniture designed to collapse on impact. The severity of potential injuries to the occupants of an impacting vehicle is reduced compared with those that could occur if the furniture was unyielding (Austroads glossary).

Designed to break away or deform when struck by a motor vehicle, in order to minimise injuries to occupants (NZTA).

Gantry

A gantry is a traffic sign assembly in which signs are mounted on an overhead support. Gantries are usually built on high-traffic roads or routes with several lanes, where signs posted on the side of the highway would be hard to see for drivers. Gantries may be cantilevered or one-sided or they may be bridges with two sides.

General information sign

A general interest sign that identifies such things as names of rivers and streams, local authority boundaries and other miscellaneous information that may be useful to a traveller.

Goods vehicle

A motor vehicle that is:

1. designed exclusively or principally for the carriage of goods; or
2. used for the collection or delivery of goods in the course of trade.

Granted level crossing

A level crossing subject to a deed of grant.

GTM

Austroads Guide to Traffic Management.

Guide sign

A guide sign informs road users of direction, distances, destinations and routes. See also advance direction sign, intersection direction sign, confirmation direction sign.

HAB

Half-arm barrier.

Internally lit (sign)

Where a sign is illuminated or lit (commonly by neon light tubes) from within.

Intersection

1. In relation to two or more intersecting or meeting roadways, means that area contained within the prolongation or connection of the lateral boundary lines of each roadway (as shown in the figure to the right); but
2. if two roadways are separated only by a traffic island or by a median less than 10 m wide, the roadways must be regarded as one roadway.

Intersection direction sign (IDS)

A sign located at an intersection, showing the general direction of the roads leading away from the intersection, the destinations on those roads and the distances to those destinations.

Kea crossing

Refer to school crossing point.

Kerb

A raised border of rigid material formed at the edge of a roadway.

Kerbed roadway

A roadway bordered on each side by a kerb.

Lane

1. A longitudinal strip of roadway that is intended for the passage of vehicles or a specific class of vehicle that is separated from other parts of the roadway by a longitudinal line or lines of paint or raised studs; and
2. includes:
   
   1. a cycle lane
   2. a lane for the use of vehicular traffic that is at least 2.5 m wide
   3. a lane of a two-way road divided by a centre-line.

Large sign

A large sign is one requiring two or more posts, a sign panel exceeding 4.7 m² or where sign supports are located more than 2.1 m apart.

Lateral clearance

The distance between the edge of the roadway and the closest edge of a traffic sign.

Legend

Text and symbols used on a sign.

Level 2 road

For the purposes of CoPTTM, a high-volume road with AADT greater than 10,000 vpd.

Level 3 road

For the purposes of CoPTTM, a high-volume, high-speed, multilane road or motorway road with AADT greater than 10,000 vpd.

Level crossing

A place where users of a formed path or road cross a railway line at the same level.
[This definition differs from that in the Railways Act 2005. See section 2.2 of Part 9 Level crossing.]

Loading zone

An area of marked roadway designated solely for the purpose of loading or unloading goods or passengers.

Light rail vehicle

For the purposes of Part 9 Level crossings, is a rail vehicle that is designed to run on a road with other road users, and includes a tram.
[This definition differs from that in the Railways Act 2005.]

Local road

A road or street primarily used for access to abutting properties.

Logo

A graphical element that typically forms a trademark or brand designed for immediate recognition used to identify organisations and other non-commercial entities.

Longitudinal position

Longitudinal position refers to a traffic sign’s position along the length of the side of the road, ie the distance from a specified point or hazard.

Luminance

Luminance is a measure of the luminous intensity per unit area of light travelling in a given direction. The luminance indicates how much luminous power will be perceived by someone looking at the surface from a particular angle of view and is thus an indicator of how bright the surface will appear.

Mandatory sign

A regulatory sign that indicates an action a road user must take. Compare with prohibitory sign.

Marking

A line, symbol, pattern, message, numeral, pavement marker or other device set in the roadway or applied or attached to the road surface.

Masking of sign

The act of covering the message portrayed by a traffic sign.

Maze

A device installed on the approaches to a level crossing, most commonly where there are two or more railway lines, for pedestrians and riders of mobility devices, wheeled recreational devices or cycles that redirects them at right angles toward the direction any approaching train would be and then at a right angle in the opposite direction to permit them to proceed across the level crossing (see figure 8.1).

Median

A strip of land that may be part of a road that separates vehicles travelling in opposite directions.

Mobility device

1. A vehicle that:
   1. is designed and constructed (not merely adapted) for use by persons who require mobility assistance due to a physical or neurological impairment; and
   2. is powered solely by a motor that has a maximum power output not exceeding 1500 W; or
2. a vehicle that the Director of Land Transport has decided under section 168A(1) of the Land Transport Act 1998 to be a mobility device.

Monogram

A motif made by overlapping or combining two or more letters or other graphical elements to form a symbol. Monograms are often made by combining the initials of an organisation or company, and are used as recognisable symbols or logos.

Motorist service sign

A sign used to identify one or a number of services commonly required by travellers that are depicted by internationally recognised symbols.

Motorway

Means a motorway declared as such by the Governor-General in Council under section 138 of the Public Works Act 1981 or under section 71 of the Government Roading Powers Act 1989 and includes all bridges, drains, culverts, or other structures or works that form a part of any motorway so declared but does not include any local road, accessway or service lane (or the supports of any such road, way or lane) that crosses over or under a motorway on a different level.

MOTSAM

Manual of traffic signs and markings, Transit New Zealand and Land Transport New Zealand.

Mounting height, of a sign

Height measured from the underside of the sign, or the lowest sign in an assembly of signs, to the surface of the adjacent road, trafficable shoulder or top of kerb, whichever is the critical dimension.

Must

Indicates a statement that is mandatory.

No parking

A requirement similar to ‘no stopping’, except that stops for short periods are permitted for the purpose of taking up or setting down passengers or goods.

No stopping

A requirement that a vehicle may not be stopped or allowed to remain stationary, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or to comply with the directions of a member of the police force or a traffic control sign or signal.

NZ Transport Agency

A New Zealand Crown entity created by the merger of Land Transport New Zealand and Transit New Zealand on 1 August 2008. Also referred to as ‘the NZTA’ or ‘the Agency’.

NZTA

See ‘NZ Transport Agency’.

Over-dimension vehicles

A motor vehicle or combination vehicle (including any load) that exceeds one or more of the dimension limits outlined in Section 4 of the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002.

Panel

One complete unit of parking control information relating to one section of the roadway containing one symbol indicating the type of control, and any other necessary panel components.

Panel component

Individual pieces of information or symbols that may be combined on a panel as follows:

1. the type of control (indicated by a symbol or symbol and words)
2. times of operation, if to be specified
3. user limitation, if any
4. a one-way or two-way arrow.

Panel face

The side of a panel on which a traffic sign has been mounted.

Panel reverse

The opposite side of a panel to the ‘panel face’.

Parking

1. In relation to any portion of a road where parking is, for the time being, governed by the location of parking meters or vending machines placed under a bylaw of a local authority, the stopping or standing of a vehicle on that portion of the road for any period exceeding five minutes; and
2. in relation to any other portion of a road, the stopping or standing of a vehicle (other than a vehicle picking up or setting down passengers in a loading zone or reserved parking area, and entitled to do so) on that portion of the road.

Parking bay

A recess or a section of marked roadway set back from the general flow of traffic that can accommodate one parked vehicle. Also commonly referred to as parking space.

Parking enforcement officer

A ‘parking warden’ appointed under section 7 of the Transport Act 1962

Parking meter

A device for registering and collecting payment for a length of time during which a vehicle may be parked.

Parking space

The area of roadway required to park one vehicle. Used interchangeably with the term ‘parking bay’ where the space is set back from the flow of traffic.

Passive traffic control

Control that is always displayed and requires the person controlled to assess whether a hazard is present and respond accordingly.

Pedestrian

1. A person on foot on a road; and
2. includes a person in or on any contrivance equipped with wheels or revolving runners that is not a vehicle and permitted to use a footpath.

In New Zealand law, a pedestrian does not include a person on a mobility device or a wheeled recreational device. However, both of these classes of user may use a footpath. Readers are advised that, in some overseas jurisdictions, particularly Australia, rules and guidelines use the term pedestrian to include mobility devices and wheeled recreational devices.

Pedestrian crossing

A pedestrian crossing established and marked on a roadway in accordance with clause 8.2 of the TCD Rule.

Permanent warning sign

A warning sign used to indicate permanent conditions that require caution or special action by road users.

Post (or pole)

A vertical support for signs.

Poster

A type of billboard normally 6 m wide by 3 m high.

Power-assisted cycle

A cycle to which is attached one or more auxiliary propulsion motors that have a combined maximum power output not exceeding 300 W.

Private car park

A car park (eg at a residential development or place of employment) that is not intended to be used by the public without prior invitation or that is available only under certain conditions.

Private level crossing

Statutory or granted level crossings provided to connect a private road used to gain access to private land.

Prohibitory sign

A regulatory sign that indicates an action a road user must not take. Compare with ‘mandatory sign’.

Protocol

In relation to a VMS, means the formal, documented processes which must be approved by the road controlling authority which define:

• the composition of messages permitted to be displayed
• the circumstances or conditions under which each message may be displayed
• any other operating requirements considered appropriate which may include requirements to log the times when messages are displayed.

Public holiday

A day specified as a public holiday in section 44(1) of the Holidays Act 2003.

Public level crossing

A level crossing where a road crosses a railway line and the public have a general right to cross.

Public parking

Parking spaces available to general road users, which may be controlled by either a road controlling authority or a private company but which, subject to the road user meeting the conditions imposed by the controlling organisation, the public are invited to use

Rail access provider

The person who controls the use of a railway line by rail operators (including that person if it is also a rail operator), whether or not that person engages rail personnel to exercise or assist in exercising that control on its behalf; but does not include those rail personnel (section 4 Railways Act 2005).

Rail corridor

The rail corridor is the strip of land owned by the rail access provider or a railway premise owner on which the railway operates. The corridor may vary in width from 10 m to 60 m but is more generally 20 m. A single railway line is generally located in the centre of the rail corridor and rail fences may have been relocated as close as 5 m from the centreline of the nearest railway line.

Rail operations level crossing

A level crossing located within rail property (eg marshalling yards, depots or the rail corridor) where the road or path is owned and maintained by the rail access provider or rail operator, is used in the operation of rail business and is generally, although not always exclusively, provided for rail personnel.

Rail operator

A person who provides or operates a rail vehicle, whether or not that person engages rail personnel to do so or to assist in doing so on its behalf; but does not include those rail personnel (section 4 Railways Act 2005).

Rail participant

A rail participant may be an infrastructure owner, a rail vehicle owner, a railway premises owner, an access provider, a rail operator, a network controller, a maintenance provider, a railway premises manager or any other class of person prescribed as a rail participant by regulations.

Rail vehicle

Any vehicle that runs on, or uses, a railway line and includes:

1. a locomotive, rail carriage, rail wagon, railcar, light rail vehicle, rail maintenance vehicle (whether or not self-propelled), and any other vehicle prescribed as a rail vehicle by regulations; and
2. a vehicle designed to operate both on rails and off rails, but only when that vehicle is running on rails.

Railway crossing

Refer to level crossing.

Railway line

A set of rails, having a gauge of 550 mm or greater between them, laid for the purposes of transporting people or goods by rail and includes:

1. sleepers, associated formation and ballast, tunnels and bridges; and
2. a tramway; and
3. a set of rails, having a gauge of less than 550 mm between them designated as a railway line in regulations; and
4. except for a tramway, any area within 5 m of a line drawn midway between a set of rails.

Railway premises owner

A person who owns, or leases for a period of seven years or more, any railway premises, whether or not that person engages rail personnel to exercise or assist in exercising the rights and duties of ownership on its behalf; but does not include those rail personnel (section 4 Railways Act 2005).

Reflective material

Material designed to reflect incident light back towards the light source, or in a specific direction, but does not, for the purposes of the TCD Rule, include a reflector. More correctly termed retroreflective material.

Regional council

Responsible for managing natural resources and region-wide planning.

Regular users

Those users who are familiar with the parking systems. These types of user may be comfortable with using smaller car parking spaces.

Regulatory sign

1. A sign that instructs road users by requiring or prohibiting specified actions in using a road [TCD Rule].
2. A sign indicating an obligation to comply with an instruction given under order, regulation, Act, ordinance or bylaw [Austroads glossary].

See also mandatory sign and prohibitory sign.

Reserved parking

An area of roadway reserved for parking by a specified class or classes of vehicle or class or classes of road user, or for a specified purpose.

Restart view

The visibility a driver needs when stopped at the stop line before a level crossing to be able to see far enough along the railway to be able to start off, cross and clear the level crossing safely before the arrival of any previously unseen train.

Retroreflective material

Material designed to reflect incident light back towards the light source, or in a specific direction, but does not, for the purposes of the TCD Rule, include a reflector. More commonly called reflective material.

Rider

A person riding an animal, an all-terrain vehicle, a motorcycle, a cycle, a mobility device or a wheeled recreational device.

Road

Includes:

1. a street; and
2. a motorway; and
3. a beach; and
4. a place to which the public have access, whether as of right or not; and
5. all bridges, culverts, ferries and fords forming part of a road or street or motorway, or a place referred to in (d); and
6. all sites at which vehicles may be weighed for the purposes of the act or any other enactment.

For the purposes of Part 9 Level crossings, is defined as in the Land Transport Act 1998 – as defined above. It is important to note this definition of road differs from that in the Railways Act 2005, which uses the definition of road contained in section 315 of the Local Government Act 2002. The main impact of this is in relation to the legal definition of a level crossing. This is discussed in section 2.2 of Part 9.

Road controlling authority (RCA)

In relation to a road:

1. means the authority, body or person having control of the road; and
2. includes a person acting under and within the terms of a delegation or authorisation given by the controlling authority.

Road margin

Includes any uncultivated margin of a road adjacent to but not forming part of either the roadway or the footpath (if any).

Road user

A driver, rider, passenger or pedestrian.

Road User Rule

Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004, including any subsequent amendments.

Roadway

That portion of the road used or reasonably usable for the time being for vehicular traffic in general.

Route sign

A sign indicating by means of number, symbol, colour, etc or a combination of such elements the course of a particular route.

RSMA

Road Safety Manufacturers Association.

RSMA compliance standard

RSMA Compliance standard for traffic signs 2008.

Rural

In relation to a road, is one having a speed limit of 70 km/h or more.

School bus

A bus that is being used, whether or not for hire or reward:

1. for transporting (in addition to the driver) school children to and from school, with or without their teachers; or
2. principally for transporting children to or from a school function.

School crossing point

A school crossing point established in accordance with clause 8.4 of the TCD Rule. These are commonly called ‘kea crossings’.

Service bay

A designated space clear of the apron to accommodate a commercial vehicle parked at a loading dock.

Shared path

A path intended to be used by both pedestrians, cyclists, mobility devices and wheeled recreational devices.

Should

Indicates a recommendation.

Shoulder

Any part of a road not designed to be used by motor vehicles when travelling along the road and, on a sealed road. Includes:

1. any unsealed part of the road; and
2. any sealed part of the road outside an edge line on the road.

Shuttle bus

A small bus catering for between 9 and 11 passengers. Usually tows a trailer for passenger luggage.

Sign face

The side of a traffic sign designed to face oncoming vehicles or other users.

Small sign

A sign panel area less than or equal to 4.7 m². Where the sign is less than 1.3 m wide, one support post is needed and where the width is greater than 1.3 m, the sign should have two support posts.

Special vehicle lane

A lane defined by signs or markings and restricted to a specified class or classes of vehicle; and includes a bus lane, a transit lane, a cycle lane and a light-rail vehicle lane.

Spectacular

A type of billboard that varies in size greater than 12 m wide by 3 m high.

Specular reflection

Specular reflection is the perfect, mirror-like reflection of light from a surface, in which light from a single incoming direction (a ray) is reflected into a single outgoing direction. It is the complement of diffuse reflection, where the reflection of light is such that an incident ray is seemingly reflected at a number of angles.

Standing

Stopping:

1. for the purpose of picking up or setting down passengers, or, in the case of a taxi stand, for the purposes of waiting for hire; and
2. while a vehicle remains attended by the driver at all times.

Statutory level crossing

Level crossings provided by statute at the time the railway was constructed needed to give legal access to property that was severed and no alternate access available. See section 2.4.2.

Street name sign

A sign providing the name of a road and may include additional information, such as street numbers.

Supasite

A type of billboard normally 12 m wide by 3 m high.

Territorial authority (TA)

A district council, city council or county council (as defined by the Local Government Act 2002).

TCD

See Traffic control device.

TCD Rule

Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices 2004, including any subsequent amendments.

TCD Specifications

Land Transport NZ Traffic control devices specifications – a collective term to cover the Sign specifications, Signal specifications and Marking specifications parts of the TCD Manual (available at www.landtransport.govt.nz/roads/tcd/index.html).

Temporary traffic management

The process of managing road users through or past a work site, in a safe manner, with minimal delay and inconvenience.

Temporary warning sign

A warning sign used to indicate temporary conditions that require caution or special action by road users. The most common temporary warning signs are those provided at road work sites.

Tourist sign

A sign used to indicate tourist features, tourist facilities, tourist establishments, tourist information centres, major tourist attractions and tourist drives.

Traffic control device (TCD)

A device used on a road for the purpose of traffic control; and includes a:

1. sign, signal or notice; or
2. traffic calming device; or
3. marking or road surface treatment.

Traffic island

A defined area within a roadway, which may be flush with the roadway or raised, and from which vehicular traffic is intended to be excluded.

Traffic sign

A board, plate, screen or other device, whether or not illuminated, displaying words, figures, symbols or other material intended to instruct, advise, inform or guide traffic on a road; and includes a ‘children crossing’ flag, a hand-held Stop sign, a parking control sign and variable message signs; but does not include a traffic signal.

Tramway

A set of rails laid on a road for the purposes of light rail vehicles and includes:

1. any area between the rails; and
2. the area that extends 500 mm outside the extremity of any light rail vehicle being used on that set of rails.

Transit New Zealand

Formerly, a Crown entity responsible for the development and maintenance of the state highway network in New Zealand. Now merged with Land Transport New Zealand to form the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).

Truck

A vehicle with a gross mass of more than 4.5 tonnes.

TTM

Temporary traffic management.

Unicycle

A vehicle with one wheel that is designed to be propelled by the muscular energy of the rider. With only one wheel, a unicycle is, by definition, not a cycle (which has two or more wheels). A unicycle must therefore be considered to be a wheeled recreational device. Refer to cycle and wheeled recreational device.

Un-kerbed roadway

A roadway that is not bordered on each side by kerbs.

Urban

In relation to a road, is a road having a speed limit of 60 km/h or less.

Variable message sign (VMS)

An electronic sign in which the message can be changed in form, shape, layout, colour and any other manner. Such signs may be illuminated or otherwise. Refer to variable traffic sign.

Variable traffic sign

Capable of displaying a different message to meet traffic management needs at different times. They may be either a permanent or a temporary sign. Includes active warning signs, variable message signs, changeable message signs.

Vehicle

A contrivance equipped with wheels, tracks or revolving runners on which it moves or is moved; and includes a hovercraft, a skateboard, in-line skates and roller skates; but does not include:

1. a perambulator or pushchair
2. a shopping or sporting trundler not propelled by mechanical power
3. a wheelbarrow or hand-trolley
4. a child’s toy, including a tricycle and a bicycle, provided, in either case, no road wheel (including any tyre) has a diameter exceeding 355 mm
5. a pedestrian-controlled lawnmower
6. a pedestrian-controlled agricultural machine not propelled by mechanical power
7. an article of furniture
8. an invalid wheelchair not propelled by mechanical power
9. any other contrivance specified by any other rule not to be a vehicle for the purposes of this definition.

Vending machine

A self-service device that, upon insertion of a coin, paper currency, token, card or other technology, dispenses a paper ticket to ‘display’ within the vehicle (Pay and Display machines) or displays the duration of time paid for each specific space within the area covered by the machine.

Visible

Able to be seen from a safe stopping distance.

VPD

Vehicles per day. See annual average daily traffic (AADT).

Vulnerable road user

A road user who is not contained in a motor vehicle, including a pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist.

Warning sign

A sign used to indicate actual or potential hazards to road users. Refer to temporary warning sign and permanent warning sign.

Wheeled recreational device

A vehicle that is a wheeled conveyance (other than a cycle that has a wheel diameter exceeding 355 mm) and that is propelled by human power or gravity.
Includes a conveyance to which are attached one or more auxiliary propulsion motors that have a combined maximum power output not exceeding 200 W.

Zone parking

A defined area of roadway where parking is permitted or prohibited for a specified class or classes of vehicles or class or classes of road user (with or without a time restriction). Persons using vehicles within the zone (or area) can reasonably be expected to be aware of the application of the parking restriction to the area without the need for the erection of signs at each intersection within the area, for reasons including:

1. the nature of the zone; or
2. the nature of the parking restriction; or
3. traffic patterns into and within the zone; or
4. the nature and number of entry points to the zone.

The extent of the zone is defined by signs at the boundaries advising road users of the control requirements.

Zone restriction

An area of roadway the use of which is restricted to a specified class or classes of vehicle or class or classes of road user (with or without a time restriction).

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Last updated: 13 November 2009