Bee Square

Traffic Management schemes are introduced to solve an identified problem on one or more roads. The need for a traffic management scheme can be identified in a variety of ways. One of these instances could be when a particular road has been the site of many accidents, prompting motorists and residents to demand an investigation, to stop these accidents from occurring. It is also possible that the Council implements a zonal method in resolving traffic issues. To deal with this, priority is given to the worst problems first. Potential schemes are assessed against the following policies:

*To ensure that vehicular flow limits the instances of mishaps.

*To promote and accommodate the maintenance and improvement of public transport.

*To restrain traffic and safeguard the environment.

*To seek equitable levels of mobility and accessibility for all groups of people, particularly for those presently disadvantaged in mobility terms i.e. people with disabilities, children, parents with prams, the old and the infirm.

*To limit the cases of roadside parking.

*To protect the rights and welfare of pedestrians.

*To promote cycling.

However, before such techniques can be employed, the public must first be informed about it. A three week period is allowed for objections to be received. Whatever comments from the community are submitted will be studied and considered before the laws backing such methods are enacted. Then a legally enforceable Traffic Order can be made and the scheme introduced.The Council, as Highway Authority, is responsible for introducing and maintaining the physical measures and for making any necessary Traffic Orders but with the exception of parking schemes, enforcement of Traffic Orders is the responsibility of Police.

Traffic Management Techniques Samples

Considering that there are many problematic scenarios to address (as no traffic issue is the same), a common solution in traffic management is not possible. Here are some examples of the many solutions that can be applied.

Physical Speed Controls

These are mechanisms that are permanently placed on the road to force vehicles to slow down while still allowing them to go through. The most common of these are road humps. These may not be as effective on bigger vehicles such as trucks, but they can definitely slow down cars. Therefore these road humps (otherwise known as speed humps), address the speed problems particularly with cars. Cars are usually more prone to violate the speed limits. While motorists can ignore speed warnings, the road humps ahead will slow them down.

Temporary Barriers and Throttles

Throttles and moveable barriers such as chicanes aim to limit speed at certain points of the road.

*Chicanes provide a simple mechanism that forces automobiles to decrease speed.

*Throttles taper the thoroughfare and these are usually set up at points where pedestrians cross.

Curbs

Roadside parking, especially near intersections can be very hazardous. To resolve this, curbs are installed near the intersection’s approach. It provides protection for motorists emerging from a side road as they can safely pull further out to see, and be seen. Pedestrians are similarly protected, have more space to stand and can also see and be seen better. Motorists are also discouraged from parking their cars close to the crossing.

Road Width Constrictions

Width controls prevents bigger vehicles from passing through a specific part of the road. The measure is usually done by placing posts large enough to prevent entry by such vehicles. There must be an alternative route available for large vehicles, such as refuse collection vehicles.This sometimes limits their services to residential areas.