UTBSM

Systems for traffic management are created to resolve vehicular flow issues on a specified number of roads. The need for a traffic management scheme can be identified in a variety of ways. They are essentially “the meat” of every traffic control plan, realized through practical restraints. Sometimes the Council adopts an “area wide” approach to traffic problems, for example, where there is a need for several residential roads to have “Speed Control Humps” installed. To deal with this, priority is given to the worst problems first. Potential schemes are assessed against the following policies:

*To guarantee motorists lesser possibilities of collisions.

*To create favorable situations for developing the public transport system.

*To minimize the number of vehicles on the road and reduce carbon emissions.

*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.

Any changes to be implemented by new traffic policies need to be publicized first, allowing for public comment. Comments will be accepted for 21 days after the publication of such changes. Formal objections are considered and schemes may need to be re-designed with further Notices being published. 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

There is no single solution to problems associated with traffic management. A variety of measures are used sometimes in combination.

Speed Limit Devices

These are mechanisms that are permanently placed on the road to force vehicles to slow down while still allowing them to go through. Road humps, for example, fall under this category. These may not be as effective on bigger vehicles such as trucks, but they can definitely slow down cars. Therefore, these are usually only effective with cars.After all, the majority of speeding cases involve these cars. Road humps have been proven more effective than speed limit signs.

Throttles and Moveable Barriers

Chicanes and throttles are intended to reduce traffic speed by reducing the available roadway width throughout a short length.

*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.

Kerb Build Outs

At some road junctions visibility is often reduced because of the shape of the road or because of parked cars. Building out the kerb onto the roadway can help solve this problem.Consequently, these help prevent smashes at the intersection. These do the same for pedestrians.Cars are forced to park further from a junction or crossing point.

Road Width Constrictions

Width controls prevents bigger vehicles from passing through a specific part of the road. This is implemented by putting large posts on the road, giving notice to the drivers and preventing these larger vehicles from physically fitting on the road. However, this should not be done without providing access to other routes for the larger vehicles to detour around without making further inconveniences to the public.

Comments are closed.