Ensuring Road Safety: Traffic Controller Training and Legal Requirements in Victoria

Traffic management is a crucial aspect of road safety, especially in high-risk areas such as worksites, intersections, and high-traffic zones. In Australia, strict traffic control regulations ensure the safety of road users, pedestrians, and workers. Understanding the hierarchy of control, traffic control methods, and the responsibilities of traffic controllers is essential for compliance and risk mitigation. This guide explores key aspects of Victoria’s traffic management laws, particularly in relation to temporary traffic control at worksites.

Hierarchy of Control in Traffic Management

Victoria’s road traffic management is governed by Austroads’ best practices, incorporating a hierarchy of control to ensure traffic moves safely around, through, or past a worksite.

1. Traffic Around the Work Area

Whenever possible, traffic should be diverted around the work area using detours or specially constructed sidetracks.

Detours: Utilising existing roads to reroute traffic, ensuring minimal disruption.
Sidetracks: Temporary lanes constructed to guide vehicles around the worksite, often used on highways and arterial roads.
Temporary Crossovers: Used in divided roads to facilitate contraflow traffic where necessary.
Regulatory Considerations: All detours and sidetracks must comply with the Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (AGTTM) Part 3.

2. Traffic Through the Work Area

In cases where detours are impractical, traffic may be allowed to pass through the worksite with strict safety controls:

Portable Traffic Control Devices (PTCDs): Used to regulate the flow of vehicles within work areas.
Manual Traffic Control: Traffic controllers equipped with STOP/SLOW signs manage vehicles when necessary.
Pilot Vehicles: Employed in cases of single-lane shuttle operations to guide vehicles safely through the worksite.
Lane Narrowing: Reducing lane width while maintaining controlled vehicle flow.
Traffic Flow Scheduling: Implementing peak and off-peak strategies to reduce congestion.

3. Traffic Past the Work Area

When traffic cannot be rerouted or stopped entirely, vehicles must move past the worksite with enhanced safety measures:

Clear Warning Signage: Properly placed road signs indicating speed limits and work zone alerts.
Lateral Separation: Use of barriers and cones to create a safe distance between traffic and the work zone.
Delineation Devices: Reflective barriers and road markings to guide drivers through the designated lanes.
Speed Enforcement Measures: Deploying cameras or patrol officers to ensure compliance with reduced speed limits.

4. Short-Term or Low-Impact Works

For minor projects, a full traffic management scheme may be unnecessary. Instead:

Minimal Disruptions: Limited-duration Lane closures with reduced speed limits.
On-Site Controllers: Workers providing real-time guidance to drivers where necessary.
Temporary Signage: Portable road signs and signals alerting drivers to changes in conditions.
Dynamic Lane Adjustments: Allowing lane shifts during off-peak hours to facilitate traffic movement.

Traffic Control Methods

Traffic control at worksites is conducted using either automated devices or manual traffic controllers, depending on site requirements.

1. Portable Traffic Control Devices (PTCDs)

PTCDs are a preferred traffic management method due to their efficiency and reduced risk to human controllers. Types of PTCDs include:

Portable Traffic Signal Systems (PTSS): Automated signals that adjust to vehicle flow, ensuring a steady and safe passage.
Portable Boom Barriers: Used to stop traffic when necessary, commonly for short-duration worksites.

Risk Assessment Considerations:

Backup controllers are required in case of device failure.
Proper signage must be in place to warn approaching drivers.
Temporary speed limits must be enforced near PTCDs.
Integration with smart traffic management systems for real-time monitoring.

2. Manual Traffic Control

Manual control is only used where PTCDs are insufficient. Guidelines include:

Competent Operators: Traffic controllers must be trained and certified in accordance with AGTTM Part 7.
Speed Regulations: The maximum speed near a manual traffic controller should not exceed 60 km/h.
Escape Routes: Every traffic controller must have an identified escape route in case of emergency.
Clear Visibility: Controllers should stand where they are easily seen and must be properly illuminated at night.
Break Policy: Traffic controllers must take breaks every two hours to maintain alertness and reduce fatigue-related errors.
Coordination with Emergency Services: Controllers must facilitate the movement of ambulances, fire trucks, and law enforcement vehicles when needed.

Responsibilities of Traffic Controllers

Traffic controllers are the frontline enforcers of road safety at worksites and must adhere to strict protocols.

1. General Responsibilities

Ensure personal and public safety.
Control vehicle and pedestrian movement effectively.
Report and respond to safety hazards and near-misses.
Communicate professionally with road users and workers.
Monitor compliance with traffic signals and signage.

2. Behavioural Expectations

Always remain polite and professional.
Use clear and definite hand signals.
Avoid arguments or confrontations with road users.
Maintain a presentable and alert appearance.
Adhere to fatigue management protocols to ensure efficiency and accuracy in directing traffic.

3. Incident Management

In case of an incident or near miss, traffic controllers must:
Immediately report accidents or safety breaches.
Document all incidents in compliance with occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements.
Assist emergency response teams if required.
Conduct a post-incident review to improve future traffic management procedures.

Legal Compliance and Safety Regulations

Victoria’s traffic management laws are enforced under the Road Management Act 2004 and the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004. Compliance is crucial for worksite operators and traffic controllers.

1. Road Management Act 2004

This act governs the responsibilities of road authorities and contractors in maintaining safe work zones. It mandates:

Traffic Management Plans (TMPs): Worksites must have an approved TMP outlining control measures.
Speed Restrictions: Temporary speed limits must be clearly marked and enforced.
Public Notices: Road users must be informed of disruptions in advance.
Penalties for Non-Compliance: Heavy fines and legal action can be taken against contractors who fail to follow TMP regulations.

2. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Requirements

Under OHS laws, employers must:

Ensure traffic controllers receive adequate training and equipment.
Conduct risk assessments before commencing roadworks.
Provide protective gear such as high-visibility vests and helmets.
Implement emergency response protocols for worksite incidents.
Establish worksite perimeters that separate pedestrian pathways from vehicular traffic.

Emerging Trends and Future Developments in Traffic Management

As technology advances, traffic management continues to evolve. Some emerging trends include:

Automated Traffic Management Systems (ATMS): Integration of AI-powered traffic control systems to optimise vehicle flow.
Smart Signage: Digital signs that update in real-time based on traffic conditions.
Drones for Traffic Monitoring: Aerial surveillance to monitor congestion and worksite safety.
Eco-Friendly Traffic Control Measures: Use of solar-powered traffic lights and energy-efficient roadwork solutions.

Conclusion

Effective traffic management is essential to ensuring road safety and minimising disruptions in Australia. Adhering to the hierarchy of control, employing the correct traffic control methods, and ensuring legal compliance help protect workers and road users alike. By implementing best practices and maintaining high standards, traffic management companies can deliver safer, more efficient solutions for worksite operations.

For reliable traffic management services that meet Victoria’s stringent safety and legal requirements, look no further than Barleys Traffic Management. We are dedicated to offering safe, efficient, and compliant traffic solutions tailored to your worksite needs across Victoria. Get in touch with Barleys Traffic today to discover how we can help ensure your worksite’s safety and efficiency.