Common Mistakes of Traffic Management in NSW

In a city like Sydney, there’s always something happening, whether it’s a major event or a new residential development. Construction projects, sporting events, concerts, developments and maintenance work contribute to the city’s economy, infrastructure and culture. As Australia’s largest economy and a recognised global city, Sydney has the country’s highest population and major events and projects hugely impact traffic flow.

Traffic management means the safe, efficient and reliable management of the existing road network and its users. This isn’t just a responsibility for the NSW government. If you’re a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) in NSW, you’re required to consider extra risks when working on or near a public road and should contact your local road authority for advice. One measure you’ll have to consider is traffic control in NSW.

Too many professionals still make traffic management mistakes that can compromise their livelihoods, the success of their events, and the safety of all road users. Adequate traffic control in NSW requires considering the safety of everyone involved, including motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and staff.

As traffic control professionals in Sydney, SSTC knows traffic management mistakes when we see them and are extensively skilled in preventing them. Here is our guide to some of the most common traffic management mistakes that occur in NSW and the steps you can take to succeed instead.

Common Mistakes of Traffic Management in NSW

Traffic management mistakes are widespread everywhere in the world. But in a sprawling city with the population and the traffic of Sydney, they can cause all kinds of issues, from congestion and delays to serious safety risks.

Some of the most common traffic management mistakes in NSW are:

Poor planning

Lack of adequate planning is a recipe for confusion, delays and safety risks. At the very least, an effective safety strategy requires conducting a detailed site analysis, identifying traffic issues and putting together a traffic control management plan (more about that in the next section).

Insufficient training

Both your regular staff and any traffic management personnel need to be properly trained to ensure they can undertake their duties safely. Make sure all team members have the appropriate licences and qualifications. Effective communication and quick decision-making are just as important for traffic control as technical skills and should be part of the training.

Substandard communication

Traffic control requires team members who can think on their feet and communicate clearly with motorists, pedestrians, other team members and authorities. Establish clear and effective communication protocols onsite.

Lack of proper signage

Clear, visible, and easy-to-read signs that meet industry regulation standards are essential. In NSW, regulatory road signs warn drivers of changes in conditions and possible dangers, and variable message signs are large electronic signs that warn of disruptions like roadworks, congestion, or police operations.

Not adapting to changes in conditions

Traffic management plans aren’t set in stone. You may need to update your actions as you go to deal with changing traffic and weather conditions or other unexpected events.

Poor traffic flow and parking planning

Neglecting to plan for factors like designated entry/exit points and fencing and barriers creates complications and less-than-safe driving equipment.

Cutting costs on traffic equipment

Don’t settle for less when it comes to safety equipment. Barriers, fencing and signage should all be in first-rate condition to keep your safety standards as high as possible.

Neglecting risk assessments

When you work in the same location every day, it’s easy to miss the safety risks that a trained, unbiased professional with a critical eye can see. Engaging a third party for a risk assessment helps ensure your safety strategy is airtight.

How to Manage Traffic with Minimal Impact

Here are some steps you can take to avoid traffic management mistakes and guarantee safer traffic control for your project in NSW.

Pay attention to timing

If you can, it’s often best to hold an event or carry out construction work during off-peak hours to minimise the impact on traffic. Liaise with local traffic authorities to avoid clashing with other events or projects.

Conduct site inspections

A safety inspection from a company skilled in traffic control, such as SSTC, will help you spot any safety risk that slipped under your radar.

Provide early notice to the community

Let the public and stakeholders know about the event well in advance using channels like social media, signage and e-mails.

Have a construction traffic management plan

A construction traffic management plan (CTMP) is mandatory for any construction project affecting traffic flow on the road. It’s a document that outlines all the procedures that will be implemented, which commonly include detours, traffic mounting, and safety measures.

Have a construction traffic control plan

A traffic control plan (CTP) is a detailed plan that outlines how traffic will be managed around a specific site. It considers schedules, road conditions and likely traffic volume to determine the safety equipment and measures required. 

Use the right traffic control equipment

Investing in only the best traffic control equipment from first-rate suppliers is worth it to protect your safety standards.

Organise emergency response traffic management

In case of emergency, you’ll need to set up road closures and detours and clear a path for emergency vehicles. Having a plan in place for emergency traffic response situations can protect the safety of everyone involved and greatly improve response times.

Provide fully trained and accredited traffic controllers

Traffic control personnel need to be skilled professionals with the right training and qualifications to direct traffic flow safely.

Encourage alternative transportation

You can liaise with local transport providers to provide extra buses or other forms of additional public transport to the area. You can also make sure there’s plenty of allotted parking and encourage the use of public transport to reduce congestion on the road.

Adjust to changes

Stay flexible and adaptable. You may have to adjust your strategy to changing road conditions or other challenges.

Efficient Traffic Management in NSW with SSTC

SSTC offers a professional service that covers all aspects of traffic control in NSW from start to finish.

Our traffic management services include comprehensive traffic management plans, all of the state-of-the-art equipment required for effective traffic control measures, traffic signal installation and maintenance, special event traffic control and emergency response traffic control. Tools of the trade we can bring to your site include roadwork signs, cones, bollards, concrete barriers and portable traffic signals.

SSTC offers construction traffic management plans (CTMP) and traffic control plans (TCP), along with other permits like vehicle management plans, dilapidation reports and swept path diagrams. We take the stress out of procuring permits from governing bodies such as the council, RMS, the police, the airport and TMC.

We pride ourselves on our commitment to safety, quality, and professionalism. All of our staff are fully trained and certified in traffic control and management. We use only the latest technology to ensure the highest quality of our safety measures, and we can both help prevent emergencies and respond to them promptly in a worst-case scenario.

If you’re looking for effective traffic management plans in NSW and are eager to avoid dangerous and costly traffic management mistakes, get your free quote from SSTC.