Traffic Control

Technology dominates the best part of our lives, from our smartphones to our home appliances that can be controlled via an app, so it was only a matter of time before it became a part of the transportation and traffic system too. So how has technology impacted the way we commute every day?  

Intelligent Transport in 2017

Welcome to 2017, where some new cars warn us of hazards or avoid them entirely with in-built sensors, some answer our commands via voice control, and others can park or drive themselves. This kind of incredible technology is expanded upon and manipulated to create Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), which work to improve the safety of those on the road. But how do these systems actually work?

Vehicles with ITS technology are even smarter than those that drive or park themselves, in that they’re connected to the internet. These systems can communicate with each other in real-time, relaying information from personal vehicles to warn other vehicles about hazards, or via traffic management systems to update drivers on road conditions, communicate speed variations or detect distracted drivers!

Traffic Management of the Future is Here

The aim of ITS Technology is to improve safety, reduce costs and find more efficient ways of communicating and commuting. The technology is already being used in to solve traffic issues in Western Australia, in areas such as:

• Traffic and Incident Monitoring: CCTV footage and vehicle detectors are used to detect incidents and respond to them in the most efficient way to help ease congestion.
• Variable Message Signs: Used to warn drivers of upcoming incidents, severe weather, long weekend Double-Demerit Points, upcoming events where vehicle routes may change and general congestion.
• GPS & Navigation Systems: Drivers now have access to real-time updates about the route they are taking, with the option to take other quick routes if an incident occurs and causes congestion.
• Rail Management Systems: ITS allows for controllers to turn data regarding train location and speed into efficient and reliable train schedules.
• Distraction Detection: Helping to identify drivers who are suffering from fatigue, or who are inattentive or distracted, through specialised imaging and measuring of things such as eye and head position

Why Invest in ITS Technology?

The biggest reason to invest time, money and resources in ITS technology comes from a safety perspective. With metropolitan areas attracting more and more people to live and work, the congestion on our roads will only continue to increase. ITS is important for advising and managing congestion, preventing accidents from occurring in the first place and smoothing traffic flow if an incident does take place

With the Modern Era’s thirst for 24/7 information, ITS technology assists us daily by providing real-time data to help us be more efficient and productive on our travels. But productivity does not mean being able to check the emails on your phone, drink a coffee and paint your nails as you drive, it means being able to drive with a smaller chance of having a fatigue-related incident.

Other benefits of the technology include reduced costs and environmental performance, with less money being spent on vehicle repairs and fuel consumption from sitting at between 5-10kmph on the Freeway for an hour in the morning and evening, and less gas emissions from your car as you (hopefully) spend less time on the road.

It’s an exciting time for the tech world, and it’s intriguing to think how technology will continue to mould and change the way we understand and undertake traffic management in the future. With 20 years in traffic management, you can be sure that WARP Group will be leading the way in any technological advances that improve traffic management in Australia! Contact WARP Group today for more information on how our traffic management can help you!

When it comes to events that may disrupt the usual flow of traffic, roadwork that requires traffic diversion or even just general day-to-day traffic control, having the right tools is essential. Effective traffic management relies on planning, strategy and many different pieces of equipment. But what exactly are these pieces of signage, what do they mean and how are they beneficial?

Signs

There are many different signs that are used when traffic needs to be managed, from Regulatory Signs such as speed signs, to Warning Signs that advise us of potential animals on the road, such as kangaroos or cattle.

Warning Signs

These signs are used to advise driver of conditions that require caution, speed reduction and additional attention. These signs are general diamond shaped with a black legend or symbol, or both, and a black border on a yellow background. Some examples of these signs are Road Humps Ahead, Low Clearance, and Kangaroo or Stock Warning Signs.

Regulatory Signs

Speed Limit Signs are an example of Regulatory Signs; they advise drivers about traffic laws or regulations. These signs are long rectangles with a white background and a black legend.

Hazard Signs

Hazard Signs are used to indicate a change in the direction of traffic flow, and the presence and width of an obstruction. These signs are generally rectangular, with black and white bands in either diagonal stripes or chevrons. There are four types of Hazard Signs: 

1. Uni-directional Hazard Marker: Used to guide traffic in the direction indicated by the chevrons.
2. Bi-directional Hazard Marker: Used to direct drivers either side of an obstruction, such as an island
3. Width Marker: Used to mark either side of a vertical obstruction, such as a bridge; and
4. Obstruction Marker: Used to define obstructions above the road, such as road closures. 

Roadside Products

Posts, fittings and LED signage products are used to make people aware of anything that may be happening on the road or any upcoming hazards, particular during roadwork, construction and maintenance and on roads with minimal lighting, such as country roads. These products include: 

Road Edge Guide Post

Often used on country roads where there may be unsealed shoulders, or bends in the road that are hard to navigate at night time.

Permanent and Temporary Raised Pavement Markers

These are often used as a guide for drivers, allowing them to review the road ahead, as well as to see better in harsh weather and low-light conditions.

Guardrail Delineator

Used to make guardrails more visible to drivers, particularly in inclement weather or low light. 

LED Signage

Used to provide relevant and timely messages or information to drivers to inform them of the conditions ahead, such as a change in speed limit, hazards on the road or road closures.

Roadside products also include things such as traffic cones, pedestrian barricades, and metal and plastic crowd barriers.

Ensuring traffic flows smoothly, no matter the hazard, obstruction or road conditions, is imperative to keeping drivers and traffic controllers’ safe. The different equipment that we use all has different uses, but together, these signs will keep traffic and pedestrians controlled and safe. For more information about traffic control in Sydney or Perth, contact WARP Group today!

Are you sick of feeling bored at work? Or feel like your current job isn’t really leading to anything? Do you want something that is a little more exciting and has a real impact on the community? Then perhaps it is time for you to consider a career in traffic control. This blog discusses Perth’s current job market, what it is a traffic controller does, and how you can go about making this career change, by applying for WARP Group’s traffic control course.

The current job market in Perth

Perth is said to have Australia’s weakest job market at present, meaning that people are jumping into jobs they don’t really want merely for financial security. These are the types of jobs they quickly grow tired of, as they don’t feel like they’re having any sort of impact on people. Traffic controllers, on the other hand, are in a position where they are making a real impact as they are committed to the safety of those within the community.

What does a traffic controller do?

Traffic controllers are used at events and throughout construction projects in order to effectively and efficiently direct traffic. They have a complete understanding of traffic management and how this can have a direct effect on the overall success of an event or project and showcase this understanding through the work they do. It is expected that traffic controllers know that traffic management is far more than just directing traffic.

Traffic controllers must be committed to safety. They can be responsible for activities such as merging traffic or directing vehicles around dangerous or hazardous areas. For this reason, they are fully trained on road safety and know how to respond in any emergency situation.

Basic Worksite Traffic Management & Traffic Control course

It is a requirement that all traffic controllers have completed a traffic control course, such as the Basic Worksite Traffic Management & Traffic Control (BWTM & TC) course offered by WARP. Those who partake in the three-day course and successfully complete the mandatory practical training and assessments receive a Main Roads WA Accreditation card and certificate, allowing them to work as a traffic controller on any main road.

The course consists of both practical and theoretical components. From traffic management plans, cautionary signs, communication, risk identification and prevention, to directing and responding in emergency situations, students will learn everything they need to know in order to begin working as a traffic controller. Courses, such as the BWTM & TC course offered by WARP, are no longer just advantageous, they are a legal requirement and nobody can control traffic on a main road without the skills and theory taught throughout the duration of the course.

If you are thinking it is time for a new job, then maybe being a traffic controller is right for you. By undertaking a traffic control course, you will have all the qualifications you need to get started and make the first step towards a rewarding career change that allows you to have the impact on the community. For all courses contact WTA – www.wta.edu.au

Contact WARP Group today!

There’s an abundance of reasons why you or your business may require traffic management. Whether it be road works, construction or an event, WARP has your back, WARP understands partnership. At WARP, we know traffic management is not a guessing game. It can take out of the box thinking and novel design to deliver consistent solutions to our expanding list of satisfied clients. So, what’s involved with traffic management?

Consultation:

In delivering a first-class service, it’s important to realise that each project is different and the approach, strategy and design should be pragmatic. At WARP, not only do we recognise this, it is the backbone of the service we deliver. We enjoy meeting with our clients to discuss their individual requirements to effectively and efficiently provide a transparent understanding of the project costs and requirements. In the traffic management industry, no two projects are the same and it’s by embracing this that we are able to go above and beyond with our service.

The planning

In fulfilling the requirements of clients, effective and accurate planning must occur. In order for us to make sure this is the case at WARP, our in-house CAD technicians use their experience to design traffic management plans using the latest CAD software. Not only are these plans effective, but they are efficient as well! We come up with a plan as fast as we possibly can, communicate it with our client and make changes wherever there is a requirement.

Getting the job done

While consultation and planning are crucial, what matters the most is getting the job done on the day. Here at WARP, we have skilled and experienced staff that will perform their duties in a professional and friendly manner. There are a number of laws and legislation associated with traffic control and management, so it’s important to have a developed and focused interest in this. We at WARP have been doing this for 20 years and continue to be at the forefront of new and emerging strategies, plant and equipment.

WARP will be on time, deliver the service promised at the price agreed, we will do what we say will do. Our commitment is to provide this service with a spirit of partnership and transparency and our communication channels will ensure a smooth and productive relationship from the very start.

As leaders in the traffic management industry since 1997, we at WARP are experts in all phases of the traffic management process. We display strong and honest communications, a fresh attitude and a service that is versatile to suit your requirements. Contact WARP today for all your traffic management needs and get the job done safely and on time!