46
TRANSPORT
TRAFFIC
CONTROL
AHEAD
–SLOW DOWN
Traffic Management Association of Australia
With the announcement that the building and
construction industry has hit a three-year high, expect
more delays on the roads. It has become the norm to
have ‘Roadwork Ahead’ signs on any stretch of local,
state or interstate road, but are we taking notice of the
Traffic Controllers, who are risking their lives to keep
roadworkers, construction crews, the public and vehicle
users safe?
Traffic Management Association of Australia (TMAA)
President, Stephen O’Dwyer, said there needs to be more
awareness of the ‘human element’ in Traffic Control.
O’Dwyer said the Traffic Controllers are trained to ensure
they safely navigate the worksites and the surrounding
diverted traffic, but many motorists still ignored the
safety mechanisms designed to protect everyone.
“Excessive speeds through worksites remains a critical
issue for Traffic Controllers and road and construction
workers,” he said.
“With the Traffic Controller at the coal face on every
site, it is imperative speed reductions are adhered to,
ensuring safe passage for all.
“We are still finding statistics on near misses,
accidents and incidents, and sadly fatalities for Traffic
Controllers across the country.”
O’Dwyer said the TMAA had been registered
in 2011 to work with five state associations to
further professionalise the industry and raise public
awareness to the need for safety on all worksites and
for Traffic Controllers in their daily duties.
He said the TMAA worked with Traffic Management
Association of South Australia (TMASA), Traffic
Govlink I Issue 1 2014
Management Association of New South Wales
(TMAN), Traffic Management Industry Assoc X][ۈق