Traffic control equipment, put simply, is any equipment used to inform, guide, and regulate the flow of traffic, including vehicles and pedestrians. It can be used in both public and workplace environments.
The importance of such equipment cannot be overstated. For instance, a report from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority found that its road safety schemes, which included variable message signs or VMS, new signage and barriers resulted in a reduction of 64 collisions per year.
The right equipment can mean the difference between a smooth operation and a chaotic, dangerous situation.
This post will guide you through the essential questions to ask yourself and the key factors to consider when choosing traffic control equipment – helping you make an informed decision that protects your workers, the public, and your bottom line.
What to Consider
Before selecting your equipment, you need to consider the following:
- What is the project type?
- What are site and traffic conditions like?
- What are the regulatory requirements?
- What is the budget?
Knowing the answers to these questions will ensure your choices are effective. Let’s go through each one in more detail.
1. Project Type
This is arguably the most important factor in your decision, as different projects have different traffic control needs. For example:
- Construction sites require durable, high-visibility equipment capable of withstanding heavy use and harsh environments. This could range from heavy-duty cable covers to impact protectors.
- Events often require portable and lightweight solutions that can be set up and taken down quickly, such as temporary barriers and fencing.
- Car parks and loading areas need car park equipment like mirrors and signs that direct traffic flow while keeping pedestrians safe.
It can help to consider if the project is long-term (and requires more durable, fixed solutions) or short-term (and requires more lightweight, portable solutions).
2. Site and Traffic Conditions
The site of the project and its traffic conditions dictate the kind of equipment you will need. High-volume zones typically require highly visible and robust equipment, while low-volume zones may require more lightweight equipment like cones or wheel stops.
Don’t forget to consider the time of day, as night work requires equipment with high reflectivity or built-in lighting to ensure maximum visibility. Another crucial factor is whether you need to manage pedestrians, vehicles, or both.
3. Regulatory Requirements
In the UK, all traffic control devices on a public highway must conform to the standards outlined in Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual and the Safety at Street Works and Road Works.
These documents provide detailed guidance on everything from sign design and placement to safe working procedures. Familiarising yourself with these guidelines is critical to avoiding fines, project delays, and potential liability issues in the event of an accident.
But for private property, such as workplace car parks, whilst advisable, you aren’t legally required to follow these standards – which can help to reduce costs.
4. Budget
Finally, you must consider your budget. While it might be tempting to opt for the cheapest solution, it’s important to think about the long-term value. For a one-time, short-term project, renting equipment may be the most cost-effective option. However, if you are a contractor with recurring needs, purchasing durable, high-quality equipment can be a more sound investment over time. Remember that equipment is an investment in safety, and cutting costs here can have serious consequences.
Common Types of Traffic Control Equipment
There are many types of traffic control and management equipment. Provided below is information on some of the most common.
Traffic Cones
Perhaps the most recognisable form of traffic management equipment, traffic cones are highly visible, easy to deploy and reposition, and ideal for short-term use. They are often fluorescent orange with a reflective sleeve and used for short-term projects, such as to mark temporary lane closures or hazards.
Traffic Mirrors
Traffic mirrors improve visibility and prevent accidents, particularly in areas with blind spots. Examples of where they may be used include on roads, at junctions, on driveways, in car parks, by concealed entrances and exits, and at warehouses and industrial sites.
Barriers
Barriers are ideal for creating a perimeter around a high-risk or restricted area, or for separating traffic from a work zone. Lightweight barriers are ideal for events, crowd control, festivals, and so on, while bollards or permanent traffic barriers are more heavy-duty to offer substantial protection.
Signs and Signals
All traffic signs must conform to the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD). They provide information to drivers and pedestrians. For dynamic situations, such as a quickly changing work zone, variable message signs provide real-time information to ensure traffic flows safely.
Speed Bumps
Speed bumps are a simple yet effective traffic calming solution for locations at risk of collisions, pedestrian injury or regular congestion. They help improve pedestrian safety by forcing vehicles to slow their speed down.
Parking Blocks
Also known as wheel stops, these serve to regulate parking spaces and prevent vehicles from overshooting. They are commonly installed in areas where vehicles are travelling at low speeds, such as garages or car parks, to help reduce speed and maintain order.
Cable Protectors
Cable protectors cover cables across walkways or roads. They protect the cables from damage, but also ensure the cables aren’t a tripping hazard to pedestrians. They are often found in offices and workplaces, but also at festivals, markets and other temporary events, or even in high-traffic areas such as construction sites or warehouses.
What next?
To help you choose the right equipment for your project, we’ve put together a simple checklist of questions to go through:
- What’s the project’s purpose and duration? (Is it short-term or long-term?)
- What are the on-site conditions like? (Is the site indoors or outdoors? Will you be working during the day or at night?)
- What is the expected traffic type? (Will traffic be moving at high or low speeds? Will traffic be a mix of vehicles and pedestrians?)
- What is the risk level?
- How long will the equipment be in place?
- Do I need to comply with specific UK safety standards?
- Does it make more sense to buy or rent?
By asking the right questions, you can ensure your team, the public, and your project are all protected. Now you know all of the factors to consider, explore our range of traffic control equipment to create a safe and smoothly operating environment.
