CLOCS: A national framework for safer construction logistics and community safety

Construction Logistics and Community Safety (CLOCS) looks to address the risks posed by construction logistics vehicles to vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, improve air quality, reduce congestion and drive operational efficiencies.

Photograph: CLOCS

Construction activity often brings an influx of heavy goods vehicles to our streets, posing significant risks to our communities. CLOCS was developed to improve safety practices in construction-related transport and logistics, aiming to protect not only those working on construction sites but also the wider public.

The CLOCS initiative emerged in response to increasing concerns over the number of fatalities and serious injuries caused by construction vehicles on urban roads. In particular, large vehicles like heavy goods vehicles continue to be disproportionately involved in collisions with cyclists and pedestrians, highlighting the need for a targeted approach.

Every statistic about construction-related collisions represents a real person, with real consequences for the victims, their families, the drivers, first-responders and witnesses. While it may take time, effort and investment to reduce road-related risks, the costs – both human and financial– of failing to act are far higher.

The construction industry has a long history of improving safety within worksites, and this same focus needs to be extended to the roadways outside of construction zones. Collaborative efforts between regulators, contractors and logistics providers have already proven effective. For example, workplace fatalities in construction fell from 154 in 1990 to just 45 in 2022 – a testament to what sustained corporate and regulatory attention can achieve.

CLOCS builds on this success by extending safety measures to the broader community, ensuring that everyone – whether on-site or off-site – is protected.

Over the years, CLOCS has become the national standard for construction logistics safety across the UK and has been adopted by an ever-growing number of CLOCS Champions who commit to operating at a higher standard and require adherence to the CLOCS requirements in their activities.

Importantly, CLOCS is also a community of like-minded organisations working together to maximise the many commercial and social benefits associated with safer, leaner and greener construction logistics.

What does it mean to be a CLOCS member?

The CLOCS Standard outlines specific requirements and procedures for the key stakeholders involved in construction, focusing on vehicles, drivers, logistics management and project planning.

• Logistics planning: Effective planning is crucial for minimising the risks posed by construction vehicles. The CLOCS standard encourages clients and contractors to work with local authorities to plan safe routes for construction vehicles and scheduling vehicle movements to avoid peak hours when streets are most crowded. The CLOCS Construction Logistics Planning (CLP) training is industry-leading and has already been attended by hundreds of industry professionals to help them adopt and implement CLPs on their projects.
• Managing traffic routes and operations: Introducing best practices for traffic management around construction sites and transport routes. This involves planning and implementing safe routes for construction vehicles to avoid heavily populated pedestrian and cycling areas whenever possible and having competent traffic marshals managing the access and egress of vehicles in a safe and controlled manner. CLOCS Site Access Traffic Marshal Train the Trainer has now been adopted by many of the leading principal contractors across the industry, leading to thousands of traffic marshals now trained to these higher standards.
• Construction site management: Beyond the movement of vehicles, CLOCS also addresses safety at the construction site itself. This includes ensuring that site boundaries and entrances are designed to minimise disruption to the public, and that access and egress, and loading and unloading, are done safely in a controlled manner.
• Vehicle requirements: CLOCS-compliant vehicles must meet certain safety specifications. This includes installing side under-run protection to prevent pedestrians or cyclists from being dragged under the vehicle, blind spot minimisation equipment (such as cameras and sensors) and audible alarms for turning movements. These safety measures are designed to make construction vehicles more visible and predictable in urban traffic environments.
• Driver training and competence: CLOCS requires drivers to undergo specific training focused on urban driving challenges, particularly those related to vulnerable road users. Drivers are trained to be more aware of cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists, and to understand the risks posed by large, slow-moving vehicles in busy areas.

CLOCS encourages all stakeholders involved in construction projects, from drivers to contractors, clients and planning authorities, to take ownership of community safety and foster a culture of safety where everyone is responsible for minimising risks to the public.

Legal duties

Under health and safety law, employers are required to manage risks to employees, subcontractors and the wider public. Regulations 4 and 13 of the 2015 Construction (Design and Management) Regulations specifically place duties on clients and contractors to minimise health and safety risks for anyone impacted by a project, including road users and the wider community.

Impact on community safety

The implementation of CLOCS has had a measurable impact on improving safety in urban areas where construction projects are taking place. By addressing both the behaviour of drivers and the physical standards of vehicles, and ensuring clients and contractors work to create the right environment for the safest vehicle movements, CLOCS helps prevent collisions with vulnerable road users.

Andy Brooke is programme director at Construction Logistics and Community Safety (CLOCS). Photograph: CLOCS

Local authorities that adopt CLOCS principles benefit from better co-ordination between construction clients, contractors and fleet operators, leading to fewer disruptions and safer streets.

For example, the enforcement of route planning ensures that construction vehicles avoid pedestrian-heavy areas and the busiest times of the day, and the use of modern vehicle safety equipment reduces the likelihood of serious injury. In addition, the cultural shift towards safety awareness means that workers in the construction industry, from site managers to drivers, are more informed and conscientious about community impacts.

Challenges and future developments

Despite its success, CLOCS faces several challenges. One of the biggest obstacles is ensuring widespread adoption across the entire construction industry, especially among smaller contractors who may lack the resources to invest in new vehicle technology or driver training. There is also the ongoing need to keep CLOCS standards up to date with technological advancements, such as autonomous vehicles and improved sensor systems.

However, the future of CLOCS looks promising. As cities grow and urban environments become more congested, the need for safe logistics practices will only increase. The CLOCS framework is already influencing international initiatives, with other cities and countries considering similar programmes to improve construction logistics and community safety.

Conclusion

CLOCS is a vital framework for enhancing community safety in areas impacted by construction logistics. By focusing on vehicle standards, driver training and logistics planning, CLOCS provides a holistic approach to reducing the risks associated with heavy vehicles in urban settings. The initiative not only protects vulnerable road users but also promotes a broader culture of safety within the construction industry. As cities continue to grow, frameworks like CLOCS will play an increasingly important role in ensuring that development and safety go hand-in-hand.

Case study: Keltbray

Keltbray, a leading UK specialist engineering contractor, is dedicated to delivering high-quality, safe and timely solutions. The company strongly supports the Construction Logistics and Community Safety (CLOCS) standards, reflecting this commitment in its procedures, especially regarding safety in traffic management and operations beyond the construction site.

One of Keltbray’s major initiatives is the enhanced Traffic Management Plan (TMP) Procedure, designed to ensure seamless communication with stakeholders, including the public, local authorities and clients. Monthly operational forums focus on safety practices, with a recent session emphasising the TMP and revised Driver’s Information Cards for risk-assessed traffic routes. This reinforces Keltbray’s dedication to road safety through structured traffic plans aligned with local regulations.

The internal ‘Big Six Campaign’ targets key risk areas, including driving. A driver survey helped identify areas for improvement, followed by increased vehicle inspections to ensure safety features like brakes and tyres are in optimal condition. The company also introduced a monthly incentive scheme to reward safe driving and invested over £3 million in new fleet vehicles, equipped with advanced safety systems in compliance with Transport for London’s Direct Vision Standard.

Keltbray’s ongoing investment in staff training, vehicle upgrades and internal procedures ensures adherence to CLOCS standards. Regular inspections, audits and external CLOCS reviews guarantee compliance and safety. Keltbray’s commitment to safeguarding its workforce and the public highlights its role as a CLOCS Champion, continually improving its approach to sustainable, safe construction and logistics practices.

Join CLOCS today

Joining CLOCS signals your dedication to a culture of safety and community consideration. It not only demonstrates your leadership within construction but will help shape industry standards for years to come, making our roads safer for everyone.

Members benefit from being part of a community of progressive industry organisations working together to raise standards and create the right environment for the safest construction vehicle journeys.

• Demonstrate your commitment to safer roads. Be part of a recognised national framework for managing road risk that drives a consistent approach across all construction activity to protect our communities
• Access guidance and support to raise standards. A variety of resources includes training, guides, case studies and information to help members manage work-related road risk across their operations
• Connect with peers and other stakeholders. There are opportunities to be part of a community and attend meetings, webinars, working groups and conferences to network and hear from industry experts.

Visit clocs.org.uk to find out more.