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. Of course, procedures such as studying the impact on the rest of the roads must first be made. The main purposes for instituting these are the following:
*To ensure that vehicular flow limits the instances of mishaps.
*To create favorable situations for developing the public transport system.
*To restrain traffic and safeguard the environment.
*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 prevent excessive parking on the roadsides.
*To improve pedestrian safety, accessibility and convenience.
*To promote cycling.
Any changes to be implemented by new traffic policies need to be publicized first, allowing for public comment. They will be given 21 days to raise opposition or comments on the said methods. Whatever comments from the community are submitted will be studied and considered before the laws backing such methods are enacted. As the traffic policy making body, the Council will see to it that such rules are implemented accordingly by deploying the proper enforcing agencies, that may or may not be under its direct supervision.
Examples of Traffic Management Measures
Considering that there are many problematic scenarios to address (as no traffic issue is the same), a common solution in traffic management is not possible. Here are some examples of the many solutions that can be applied.
Speed Cushions
These are a form of speed control hump which are wide enough to allow a wide wheelbase vehicle to pass unhindered. 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
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 narrow the road, frequently to provide a safe crossing point for pedestrians, sometimes in conjunction with a speed table.
Curbs
Cars parked on the roadside can block the sight of road intersections To resolve this, curbs are installed near the intersection’s approach.These protect both cars and motorists by the roadside. These do the same for pedestrians.Motorists are also discouraged from parking their cars close to the crossing.
Road Width Constrictions
Width restriction is a self enforcing means of restricting access for large vehicles on some roads. The measure is usually done by placing posts large enough to prevent entry by such vehicles. 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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