Traffic managementCzechia

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60. Traffic management

Traffic management is the organised control, regulation and guidance of road users to improve safety, traffic flow and the efficient use of roads. It can include traffic lights, road signs, road markings, lane controls, variable speed limits, diversions and directions given by authorised persons.

Traffic management may be permanent or temporary. Temporary measures are commonly introduced during roadworks, congestion, collisions, public events or other incidents. Drivers and other road users must follow the signs, signals and instructions applying at the location, even when they differ from the normal traffic arrangement.

Traffic management
Electronic traffic-information display showing congestion level 4 on Vídeňská. (Prague, Czechia)
Wikimedia.org • ŠJů • CC BY
What is traffic management?

Traffic management is the organised control and guidance of traffic using signs, signals, road markings, lane controls, speed restrictions, diversions and other measures.

Why is traffic management used?

Traffic management is used to improve safety, control traffic flow and reduce disruption. It can also protect road workers, pedestrians, cyclists and emergency services.

How can traffic be managed?

Common methods include traffic lights, road signs, road markings, variable-message signs, lane-control signals, temporary barriers, speed restrictions and diversions. Authorised persons may also direct traffic.

Can traffic management change the normal speed limit?

Yes. Temporary or variable speed-limit signs may impose a different maximum speed because of congestion, roadworks, weather, incidents or other conditions. Drivers must follow the limit currently displayed.

Can traffic management change which lanes you may use?

Yes. Lane-control signals, temporary signs or road markings may close lanes, move traffic into different lanes or require drivers to change lane. Follow the current signs and markings rather than the normal road layout.

What should you do when a traffic lane is closed?

Move into an open lane safely and in good time, following any arrows, signs and local merging rules. Never continue along a lane that is clearly indicated as closed.

Can temporary traffic signs be compulsory?

Yes. Properly authorised temporary signs used for roadworks, incidents or other traffic-management measures must be obeyed in the same way as other official traffic signs.

What should you do when an authorised person directs traffic?

Follow the directions of the authorised person. In many countries, these directions take precedence over traffic lights, road signs or the normal traffic rules.

How is traffic managed around roadworks?

Roadworks may use temporary speed limits, lane closures, barriers, temporary markings, traffic lights and diversions. Road users should reduce speed where necessary and carefully follow the temporary route.

Does traffic management also protect pedestrians and cyclists?

Yes. Temporary or permanent traffic arrangements should account for pedestrians and cyclists as well as motor vehicles. They may be provided with separate routes, crossings, signals or diversions where necessary.

1 Czechia 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Advisory speed 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Pedestrian warning 11 Pedestrian zone 12 Speed bump 13 Customs 14 Slope 15 Bus lane 16 Bus stop 17 Dead end 18 Stop sign 19 Give way 20 Roundabout 21 Priority road 22 Road narrowing 23 Priority over oncoming traffic 24 Give way to oncoming traffic 25 Pedestrian crossing 26 Railway crossing 27 School area 28 Crossing animals 29 Slippery road 30 Aircraft 31 Curve 32 Chevron 33 Wrong-way driving 34 Roadworks 35 Height limit 36 Weight limit 37 Radar speed sign 38 Selective barriers 39 Priority at the next junction 40 Traffic lights 41 Traffic lights warning 42 Pedestrian lights 43 Road markings 44 Junction layout 45 Bike box 46 Speed feedback 47 Location marker 48 Countdown markers 49 Traffic mirror 50 Emergency telephone 51 International border 52 Pedestrian underpass 53 Cycling route 54 Parking 55 No parking 56 No stopping 57 Park and ride 58 Kiss and ride 59 Disabled parking 60 Traffic management 61 Reversing 62 Road surface 63 Provisional licence 64 Hazardous cargo 65 Runaway truck ramp 66 Tourist attraction 67 Axle weight limit 68 Licence plate 69 Charging station 70 Dangers 71 Cyclist 72 Bus 73 Police 74 Ambulance 75 Taxi 76 Police signals 77 European emission standard 78 Pothole 79 Path 80 Particulates 81 Air pollution 82 Rush hour 83 Road code 84 Train station 85 Street gutter 86 Cargo bike 87 Forestry vehicle 88 Construction vehicle 89 Semi-trailer truck 90 Trolleybus 91 Speed pedelec 92 Delivery vehicle 93 Idling 94 Tow truck 95 Four-wheel drive 96 No vehicles 97 Bicycle 98 Motorcycle equipment 99 Tram 100 Rail track ...