Traffic Management schemes are introduced to solve an identified problem on one or more roads. There are many instances which make traffic management a necessity. It may, for example, be a bad accident record or the concerns of residents that prompts an investigation. 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 ensure that vehicular flow limits the instances of mishaps.
*To provide conditions for enhancing the capabilities of mass transport systems.
*To minimize the number of vehicles on the road and reduce carbon emissions.
*To empower other disadvantaged sectors of society in using the roads.
*To prevent excessive parking on the roadsides.
*To promote the protection of non-motorists when using the roads.
*To allow safe use of the roads by cyclists.
However, before such techniques can be employed, the public must first be informed about it. They will be given 21 days to raise opposition or comments on the said methods. Formal objections are considered and schemes may need to be re-designed with further Notices being published. The Council will oversee the implementation of such laws, with the help of frontline traffic enforces and other related local authorities, including the police.
Examples of Traffic Management Measures
Each of the techniques to be employed in the traffic management of roads is usually meant to solve particular situations. The following points are just some of the most commonly used traffic management solutions in many parts of the globe.
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. The most common of these are road humps. However, because of the limitations on the road hump’s height, these are most effective only with cars – not larger vehicles like trucks. These are intended to overcome the objections of the Emergency Services and Bus Companies. Cars are usually more prone to violate the speed limits. While motorists can ignore speed warnings, the road humps ahead will slow them down.
Throttles and Moveable Barriers
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 lessen the road’s width for the sole purpose of reducing vehicular speed and allow pedestrians to cross safely.
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.These also prevent cars from parking too near to the intersection.
Road Width Constrictions
Constricting the roads consequently limits the access of larger vehicles (such as trucks), from using portions of a route. 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, these must only be installed after other roads have been provided to enable the affected trucks to take detours, while preventing the trucks from passing through areas meant for private residents.
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formal objections,
traffic management measures,
traffic management schemes,
traffic management solutions