Blog ·
What is Traffic Control?
The importance of traffic control, and how important the job of our traffic controllers is in our day-to-day lives.
It is easy to overlook and underestimate a certain pursuit just because it is not as grand as others. We have often been confronted with different traffic mishaps, but we think of the incidents and not the people who helped us get through. In this article, we discuss the importance of traffic control and how important the job of our traffic controllers is in our day-to-day endeavours.
Traffic control
Often relating to traffic management, traffic control is the process of organising, arranging, guiding and controlling both moving and stationary traffic. This includes, but is not limited to, pedestrians, cyclists and other types of vehicles.
The goal of traffic control
The primary aim of traffic control is to provide a safe, orderly and efficient flow of commuting and transport of goods. It also involves the protection and enhancement of the quality of local environmental traffic facilities. For these important reasons, traffic controllers need to undergo certain training before being qualified for the role.
Why is traffic control important?
Every day we travel for different purposes: work, school and recreation. On top of this, about 92.5% of Australian households own a car, which can lead to a traffic disaster if not handled correctly. Traffic control is very important to avoid this kind of circumstance, saving a lot of the time otherwise wasted in traffic. Below are other reasons why traffic control is so important.
1. Alerts locals
A good traffic management plan will effectively warn drivers and pedestrians before they enter a construction zone. Since locals who pass through the area every day will not be used to having their route disrupted, alerting local and non-local drivers and pedestrians is an essential part of making sure everyone pays closer attention to their surroundings.
2. Reduces the speed of vehicles
Drivers need to be told when they need to slow down, when lanes will merge, and when the road will get narrower. While it is obviously not safe to speed through a construction zone, a good traffic management plan gives drivers ample warning to slow down before entering the work area.
3. Allows work to be completed faster
A safe onsite work environment allows construction workers to focus on what they are doing, rather than worrying about potential car accidents. In turn, the crew can work quickly and wrap up the project much faster than would be possible if they were busy worrying about traffic and pedestrians.
4. Provides worker safety
Since employers have an obligation to ensure worker safety, putting an effective traffic control plan in place helps you stay compliant with worker health and safety regulations during your construction project.
5. Minimises traffic delays
A proper traffic control plan helps prevent motorists from being stuck in a traffic jam for hours on end. While all road work causes some disruption to normal traffic flow, the plan keeps things moving smoothly and prevents long delays.
What do I need to become a traffic controller?
To become a traffic controller in Australia, you need to complete traffic control training courses and obtain a white card. The white card is a prerequisite for the training course and a requirement for working on a construction site. Other requirements include a driver’s licence, being able to speak and read English and understand the road signs used in Australia, and being at least 18 years old.
Physical requirements include the ability to lift heavy objects on a traffic management worksite, and the physical ability to complete assigned tasks that might include lifting a 10 kg object repeatedly.
What are the primary duties of a traffic controller?
The tasks of a traffic controller include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Coordinate, set up and manage traffic control.
- Direct traffic when there is roadwork ahead, accidents, planned maintenance and building sites.
- Manage pedestrians during changed vehicle and road conditions to ensure safety.
- Communicate with other road traffic controllers, construction workers and emergency response teams to keep traffic updates timely.
- Use road and hand signs to direct traffic flow and pedestrians. These may involve the use of a stop/slow bat.
- Explain the operations to stakeholders such as drivers and pedestrians when questions arise.
- Set up and take down temporary road signs on time.
If you’re interested in learning more about traffic control and coordination, contact Nowra Traffic today. You can reach us directly on (02) 4423 5818 or 0404 042 211.