When managing roads for construction, infrastructure upgrades, or public events, having the right traffic equipment is critical. At Barleys Traffic Management, we provide high-grade, compliant gear that ensures safety, visibility, and control across Victoria. 

If you’re planning an event or construction project in the city, our Traffic Equipment Hire Services offer a tailored solution to meet every on-site safety requirement. 

Whether you’re overseeing traffic diversions in the CBD or setting up barricades for a community event in Dandenong, using the right gear could be the difference between a safe, compliant work zone—and an accident waiting to happen. 

In this guide, we cover the top 5 most essential traffic management equipment available for hire in Melbourne, complete with applications, tips, and legal compliance under Victorian road safety regulations. 

Why Hiring Equipment Is Smarter Than Buying 

Before diving into the list, it’s worth understanding why traffic management equipment hire in Melbourne is a smart move: 

• Stay compliant with Victorian standards (e.g., AS 1742.3) 
• Avoid capital costs and storage issues 
• Gain access to regularly maintained, ready-to-use gear 
• Receive expert advice on equipment application 
• Scale up or down based on project needs 

At Barleys Traffic Management, our equipment is not only compliant with Worksite Safety – Traffic Management Code of Practice, but also backed by experienced advisors who guide you in choosing the right setup. 

Check out our Traffic Control Services for complete site solutions. 

Top 5 Traffic Management Equipment at a Glance 

1. Variable Message Signs (VMS)

What are Variable Message Signs? 

Variable Message Signs are large, LED-based digital boards used to display changing messages in real-time. These signs improve public awareness, reduce confusion, and help meet compliance requirements during works or public events. 

Benefits: 

• Fully programmable messages 
• Remote operation via secure login 
• Solar-powered and portable 
• Reflective backing for night visibility 

Applications: 

• Advanced warning of lane closures 
• Community alerts during events 
• Speed reduction notices in high-risk zones 

At Barleys, our Variable Message Signs comply with AS 4852.2 and are ideal for both long-term and mobile deployment scenarios. 

2. Multi-Message Signs

Why Multi-Message Signs Are Non-Negotiable 

No worksite is complete without Multi-Message Signs—they’re low-cost, versatile, and easy to deploy for quick changes in road layout. 

Standards and Materials: 

• Signs used by Barleys meet AS 1742.3 and feature high-intensity reflective sleeves 
• Weighted bases to prevent toppling in windy areas 

Best Uses: 

• Civil construction
• Utility works
• Events
• Emergency works

Contractors often overlook spacing and site distance. Signs should be spaced and stuated to achieve the minimum siting distances set out in AGTTM part 3 – static works. 

Looking for full setup support? Our Traffic Management Implementers (TMI) & Traffic Controllers (TC) provide on-ground deployment and monitoring. 

3. Road Safety Barriers

The Importance of Physical Barriers 

For effective vehicle redirection or exclusion, barriers are essential. These include water-filled plastic barriers, pedestrian fencing, and steel crash barriers. 

Types Offered by Barleys: 

• Water-filled barriers: Easy to transport when empty, ideal for mid-term works 
• Steel barriers: Crash-rated for high-speed environments 
• Pedestrian fencing: Used during festivals and crowd control events 

When to Use: 

• To close off work areas from traffic 
• Create footpaths alongside construction 
• Prevent public access to hazardous zones 

Our Event Traffic Management Services integrate barrier setup into overall traffic diversion plans. All our barriers are tested to VicRoads compliance. 

Tip: Always ensure water barriers are filled on-site to avoid non-compliances and increase site safety. 

4. Portable Traffic Lights

Signal Control for Temporary Sites 

Portable traffic lights are mobile, battery or solar-powered units that help control flow on temporary roads. These are crucial for sites where stop/slow batons are impractical or unsafe. 

Features: 

• Two-phase and three-phase systems available 
• Remote programming and synchronisation 
• Integrated fail-safes to avoid signal loss 

Ideal For: 

• Single-lane traffic in worksites 
• Rail and tram intersection control 
• Emergency response zones 

Barleys ensures all portable lights are compliant with AS 4191, regularly inspected and supplied with a Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS). Need help creating compliant plans? Visit our Traffic Management Plans Page. 

5. TMA Hire (Truck Mounted Attenuators)

What Is a TMA? 

A Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA) is a crash-absorbing unit attached to a work vehicle designed to shield crews from errant vehicles. TMAs are legally required on certain high-speed roads in Victoria. 

Why Contractors Choose TMAs: 

• Compliant with VicRoads TMA Guidelines 
• Reduce injury risk in the event of a rear-end collision 
• Suitable for freeway maintenance, asphalting, and signage work 

Barleys offers full TMA Hire, complete with trained operators and pre-approved TMPs for arterial roads. 

Safety Tip: Always pair a TMA with advance warning signage like VMS and cones for full-zone protection. 

How Barleys Ensures Compliance with Victorian Law 

We align every hire and deployment with Victoria’s Road Safety Act 1986, VicRoads guidelines, and the Worksite Safety – Traffic Management Code of Practice. Here’s what that means for you: 

• All equipment undergoes routine safety checks 
• All plans are tailored to council permit conditions 
• Our team includes certified Traffic Controllers with valid White Cards 

Need full service? Our Traffic Permit Assistance helps you obtain VicRoads MOAs and local council approvals. 

Planning Tips for Contractors and Event Planners 

Contractors: 

• Pre-book equipment for peak infrastructure seasons (Aug–Feb) 
• Use a layered approach: barriers + cones + VMS + TMA 
• Always lodge plans early with VicRoads for arterial roadworks 

Event Planners: 

• Use pedestrian fencing and cones to guide crowd flow 
• Deploy VMS boards 1–2 days before the event for awareness 
• Ensure portable lighting meets night-time compliance standards 

Explore our Event Services to design your next festival, marathon, or parade safely. 

How to Choose the Right Equipment for Your Site 

Need help selecting the right mix? Visit our Home Page or call our team to discuss your project in detail. 

Final Thoughts: Why Barleys Is Melbourne’s First Choice 

Hiring the right traffic management equipment isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about protecting lives, ensuring site compliance, and keeping traffic moving. At Barleys Traffic Management, we deliver more than equipment—we offer confidence. 

With unmatched experience in Victoria’s traffic laws, a wide range of hire-ready equipment, and in-house planning support, we make traffic control simple and safe. 

Explore our full range of services and get in touch for expert guidance on your next project. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What’s included in Barleys’ traffic management equipment hire in Melbourne?

Our traffic management equipment hire in Melbourne includes everything from variable message signs and traffic cones to portable traffic lights, barriers, and TMA hire. Each item is delivered fully compliant with Victorian road safety standards and can be paired with certified traffic controllers and planning support. 

2. Can I hire equipment for weekend events or night works?

Yes. Barleys Traffic Management offers flexible hire options, including after-hours and weekend availability. We supply portable traffic lights, pedestrian barriers, and VMS boards suitable for temporary events and nighttime operations across Melbourne and surrounding areas. 

3. Do I need council, or VicRoads permits to use traffic control equipment?

Yes, in most cases. If your project involves lane closures or arterial roads, you’ll need permits from local councils or VicRoads. We help clients with the full process through our Traffic Permit Assistance service. 

4. Is TMA hire mandatory for freeway or high-speed works?

Yes, Victorian regulations often require TMA hire for roadworks on high-speed roads or motorways. TMAs are designed to absorb impact in case of a collision, protecting workers and drivers alike. We supply compliant vehicles and operators as part of our TMA Hire Services. 

5. How early should I book traffic equipment for a large event or construction project?

We recommend booking your traffic management equipment at least 2–4 weeks in advance, especially during peak construction or events season. This ensures availability of critical gear like barriers, VMS, and portable traffic lights, and allows us to help with traffic plans and permits.