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Traffic managementWorldwide

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Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Worldwide

91. 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.

Warning for roadworks. (Autoroute A48, Isère, France)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • 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 Worldwide 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Built-up area 6 Zone 7 Speed limit 8 Minimum speed 9 Advisory speed 10 Footpath 11 Bike path 12 Shared-use path 13 Separated path 14 Pedestrian warning 15 Tunnel 16 Bridge 17 Cycling street 18 Pedestrian zone 19 Speed bump 20 Toll road 21 Customs 22 One-way traffic 23 Quay 24 Slope 25 Bus lane 26 Bus stop 27 Dead end 28 Stop sign 29 Give way 30 Roundabout 31 Priority road 32 Road narrowing 33 Priority over oncoming traffic 34 Give way to oncoming traffic 35 Pedestrian crossing 36 Railway crossing 37 Mandatory direction 38 Turn prohibition 39 School area 40 Overtaking 41 Crossing animals 42 Slippery road 43 Rockfall 44 Aircraft 45 Curve 46 Chevron 47 Wrong-way driving 48 Roadworks 49 Crosswind 50 Height limit 51 Width limit 52 Length limit 53 Weight limit 54 Radar speed sign 55 Selective barriers 56 Low-emission zone 57 Intersection direction sign 58 Priority at the next junction 59 Traffic lights 60 Traffic lights warning 61 Pedestrian lights 62 Road markings 63 All-way stop 64 Junction layout 65 Climbing lane 66 Bike box 67 Left-hand traffic 68 Speed feedback 69 Driving licence 70 Location marker 71 Road number 72 Countdown markers 73 Public toilet 74 Rest area 75 Traffic mirror 76 Emergency telephone 77 International border 78 Pedestrian underpass 79 Cycling route 80 End of restriction 81 Parking 82 No parking 83 No stopping 84 Parallel parking 85 Park and ride 86 Kiss and ride 87 Alternate-side parking 88 Parking meter 89 Parking disc 90 Disabled parking 91 Traffic management 92 Merging 93 Reversing 94 U-turn 95 Carpool 96 Traffic jam 97 Detour 98 Uncontrolled crossroad 99 Road surface 100 Advisory cycle lane ...