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Traffic managementNetherlands

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Netherlands

42. 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
Roadside variable-message sign on the A15 announcing roadworks. (South Holland, Netherlands)
Wikimedia.org • remundo • CC BY-SA
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 Netherlands 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Cycling street 10 Pedestrian zone 11 Slope 12 Bus stop 13 Dead end 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Priority road 18 Railway crossing 19 School area 20 Overtaking 21 Crossing animals 22 Roadworks 23 Weight limit 24 Radar speed sign 25 Selective barriers 26 Low-emission zone 27 Priority at the next junction 28 Traffic lights 29 Traffic lights warning 30 Road markings 31 Speed feedback 32 Traffic mirror 33 Emergency telephone 34 Cycling route 35 Parking 36 No parking 37 No stopping 38 Park and ride 39 Kiss and ride 40 Parking disc 41 Disabled parking 42 Traffic management 43 Merging 44 Reversing 45 Uncontrolled crossroad 46 Advisory cycle lane 47 Rush-hour lane 48 Emergency exit 49 Oversize load 50 City limit 51 Parking zone 52 Axle weight limit 53 Licence plate 54 Charging station 55 Dangers 56 Equestrian trail 57 Cyclist 58 Truck 59 Bus 60 Police 61 Ambulance 62 Bicycle parking station 63 Tram lights 64 European emission standard 65 Pothole 66 Path 67 Particulates 68 Air pollution 69 Rush hour 70 Road code 71 Street gutter 72 Cargo bike 73 Forestry vehicle 74 Construction vehicle 75 Semi-trailer truck 76 Trolleybus 77 Speed pedelec 78 Delivery vehicle 79 Idling 80 Tow truck 81 Four-wheel drive 82 No vehicles 83 Bicycle 84 Motorcycle equipment 85 Rail track 86 Caravan 87 Trailer 88 Tow hitch 89 Fire truck 90 Siren 91 Convoy 92 Emergency vehicle lighting 93 Agricultural machinery 94 Electric bicycle 95 Electric vehicle 96 Pedelec 97 Quadricycle 98 Microcar 99 All-terrain vehicle 100 Van ...