It’s important to have the right fools for the job, traffic control included. There are quite a number of risks that arise when the usual flow of traffic is disrupted, which makes planning, strategy and of course equipment vital for ensuring motorists and pedestrians safety.
You’ve surely seen all kinds of traffic controller equipment around, though you may yet have spent the time to tally them all up and find out exactly how they’re used and why they’re so necessary:
What Types of Sign do Road Traffic Controllers use?
Signs are crucial for relayed information to drivers and pedestrians alike and there’s a large range of things they can express, from speed and road conditions to hazards and regulations.
1. Warning Signs
Road traffic management requires the use of warning signs, which are typically diamond-shaped with yellow background and black symbol and border. Such signs are used to advise drivers about road conditions, particularly those that require speed reduction or further action otherwise.
Some examples include:
- Loose Chippings on Road
- Two-way Traffic Ahead
- Uneven Surface
- Cattle Crossing
- Low Clearance
- Merging Roads
2. Hazard Markers
Effective traffic management also demands good use of hazard markers, which chiefly express information about traffic direction, obstructions and road width. Rectangular in shape with black and white stripe or chevron design, hazard markers fall under the following categories:
- Uni-directional Hazard Marker: Used to guide traffic in a single direction around an obstruction, for instance a sudden narrowing of the roadway
- Bi-directional Hazard Marker: Used to guide traffic in either direction around an obstruction, such as T-intersections or islands
- Obstruction Marker: these kinds of markers show you where a road ends, such as on a bridge, when a height restriction will then also be detailed
3. Regulatory Signs
Regulatory signs are used to ensure drivers abide by the road law, even when usual traffic flow is disrupted. Speed limit signs are the biggest example, but there are a large number of these signs. You can usually identify them by their rectangular design with black and white background, and often some red colouring.
How do Road Traffic Controllers control Access?
As well as proper signage, effective road traffic management relies on safely controlling the movement of vehicles. The main equipment to do so involves traffic cones, barricades and barrels:
1. Cones
The classic image of traffic control, cones are chiefly used to redirect traffic. Although available in a huge range of colours, sizes, heights and weights, they share the same practical and durable design.
The cone base provides fantastic traction whilst the hollow body allows convenient stacking and transport. Traffic cones are built to be extremely durable so that they can withstand the elements, traditionally comprised of UV-resistant thermoplastic PVC and hard rubber.
2. Barricades
Much like traffic cones, barricades are manufactured in all sorts of sizes and styles, though the specific materials used are a little more varied. This traffic control equipment acts as a boundary for both vehicles and pedestrians, where access can be restricted or blocked entirely.
3. Barrels
Barrels, or channelizer drums, serve much the same function as traffic cones though there are a few key distinctions. Firstly, they’re much larger in size. However, they’re also made from tougher plastics. This is because they’re designed to withstand the toughest of conditions, which makes them ideal for traffic control on high-speed roadways.
What is an Intelligent Road Traffic Control System?
Signs and cones play a key role in traffic management, but new technology has allowed us to monitor and advise traffic in more efficient ways. Computerized traffic equipment can be broken down into four basic parts: computer, communication device, traffic signals and detectors.
Detectors typically count number of vehicles passing through the area and their speed, usually appearing as camera or video trailers. This information is communicated wirelessly to the computer, which processes it and then relays it as a live feed to any remote location. Based on the information, the most effective traffic control measures can be applied.
Intelligent road traffic control systems offer a dynamic solution for work zones, business parks, school areas, and other places where conditions are changeable and risks are higher. They’re the latest and most innovative form of traffic controller equipment.
Get the right tools with Traffic Controllers for Hire
When you deal with traffic controllers for hire, you’ll want to know that you’re getting the best equipment for the job. No matter the road situation, it’s the proper use of signs, barriers and personnel that keeps drivers and pedestrians safe.
Want to learn more about traffic control equipment, and how you can get your hands on some? Get in touch with UVS Group today!
