How to become an Event Traffic Marshal#
Background#
The Special Event Traffic Marshal Scheme is administered by the Department of Transport and Main Roads. The scheme is intended to provide sporting, community and special interest groups with an alternative option to manage traffic in the vicinity of the event, in circumstances where accredited Traffic Controllers may not be required for basic and low risk duties. The scheme enables volunteers to control traffic to ensure that the special event proceeds smoothly without disruption, and that its impact on road users is minimised and safely managed. An Event Traffic Marshal (ETM) has a delegated authority to conduct basic traffic control duties during a permitted special event. The authority does not continue after the event ends. This fact sheet provides a summary of the prerequisites and steps for engagement as an ETM for a special event. More detailed information is included in the Event Traffic Marshal – Special Event Approved Procedure (ETM Approved Procedure) available on the department website.
Status#
- The person must be a volunteer (not a paid worker at the event).
Age#
- The person must be at least 18 years of age.
Physical capability#
- The person must be able to stand for up to two hours while directing traffic using a hand held STOP/SLOW bat.
- The person must be capable of maintaining focus and concentration for up to two hours without a break.
- The person must have good vision and hearing.
- The person must have sufficient mobility to be able to move quickly out of the path of an oncoming vehicle that does not stop as directed.
- The person must not perform traffic control duties while fatigued, or adversely affected by a substance or medication causing mental or physical impairment.
- The person must maintain a ‘zero percent’ blood/alcohol concentration while performing traffic control duties.
Knowledge and understanding#
- The person must have very good knowledge and understanding of the ETM Approved Procedure, and have a clear understanding of his or her obligations to undertake the role safely, and in a professional manner.
Communication skills#
- The person must have clear speech and have good communication skills. The person must be able to converse with event staff, accredited traffic controllers and road users in a polite and professional manner.
- If required, the person must be able to operate a two-way radio.
Competency assessment#
- The person must successfully complete the online ETM Training Program. The successful assessment must have been completed in the three-month period prior to the event commencing.
- Alternatively, the person must have documentary evidence of having been engaged as an ETM at a Queensland special event in the prior 12–month period.
Documentation#
- The person must provide the following documentation to the event organiser before being engaged as an ETM:
- Proof of identity documentation (for example, driver licence, or proof of age card, industry authority, and so on)
- Printout of Certificate of Completion achieved through the online ETM Training Program or evidence of prior engagement as an ETM in the past 12 months
- It is entirely at the event organiser’s discretion regarding whether or not to engage a person to be an ETM. Accordingly, the event organiser must undertake due diligence in checking suitability.
- In circumstances where the event organiser holds concerns that the volunteer may not be suitable or competent to perform the role, the event organiser may request the individual to demonstrate his or her understanding and practical application of procedures, or provide additional supporting documentation to confirm suitability (for example, a medical certificate indicating the person’s physical suitability to perform the role, or documentary evidence that the person has undertaken instruction in STOP/SLOW traffic control procedures).
Pre-event briefing#
- Prior to the event commencing, the person will receive a pre-event briefing from the event organiser about event traffic management arrangements. The person will be provided with a copy of the Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS) for the event which sets out the locations at which ETMs are allowed to control traffic and erect traffic signs.
- The event organiser will provide details of the times and locations at which the person will be rostered to be an ETM at the event.
Notice of engagement#
- On checking that all pre-requisites are met, the event organiser will issue the person with a Notice of Engagement signed by both the event organiser and the ETM.
- The ETM will ‘sign on’ to the event organiser’s register.
- The Notice of Engagement must be carried by the ETM when undertaking traffic control duties at the event.
Performance of ETM role#
- The event organiser is responsible for providing the ETM with all equipment needed to perform the role, including an orange fluorescent safety vest, a STOP/SLOW bat, and a two-way radio (if needed).
- The ETM must conduct traffic control in a safe, efficient and professional manner to minimise disruption of road users and event participants, in accordance with the ETM Approved Procedure and the TGS for the event.
Find out more#
Further information about the Special Event Traffic Marshal Scheme is available on the website.
