2.10Traffic controllers, police and event traffic marshals#

The use of traffic control personnel (that is, traffic controller, ETM or police) to manage traffic and / or event participants should be evaluated. As explained in Section 1.5, different types of traffic control personnel have different levels of authority. Other aspects that should be considered when selecting an appropriate resource include:

type:
Is the resource appropriate for effectively and safely managing traffic and / or people?
Are the event activities occurring at a signalised intersection or a location where greater speed compliance is desired where police may be required?
quantity:
Are additional traffic control resources required or could they be better utilised?
location:
Is the traffic control resource proposed to be positioned in a safe location?
shift breaks:
Is there an appropriate number of resources to undertake the task with respect to their appropriate length of shift?
event participants and pedestrians:
Does the resource have appropriate levels of authority and experience regarding managing and directing the type of event participants and / or pedestrian for the event (for example, intoxicated spectators)?

2.10.1Use of event traffic marshals#

ETMs may be used to control and direct traffic instead of accredited traffic controllers for events that require traffic control activities in low-risk environments. The use of ETMs must occur under the authorisation of an event organiser with a special event permit and be in accordance with the Event Traffic Marshal – Special Event Approved Procedure.

It is important to note that ETMs cannot control traffic in all situations. All assumptions and assessments of risk should be documented before the use of ETMs as part of a TGS is considered; however, if the road environment is assessed as being complex or high-risk, then traffic control shall only be undertaken by accredited traffic controllers or police officers.

As a minimum, the situations where the use of ETMs may be suitable must satisfy the following requirements:

speed limit or speed environment of 60km/h or less
highest traffic volume while the event is in progress of 200 vehicles per hour, and
road type: two-way two-lane, or one-way one-lane.

Additional factors that should be considered when determining if an environment is low risk include:

available sight distance
road geometry
road category
road function
timing of event
volume and type of heavy vehicles
number of event participants or spectators, and
crash history.

Situations where the use of ETMs is not suitable include:

where control of reversible flow arrangements (commonly known as shuttle flow) is required
at a signalised intersection
at an at-grade railway crossing
on a multi-lane road, and
on Category 2 and 3 roads..

TGSs that incorporate ETMs should clearly differentiate and label ETM and accredited traffic controller positions. The TGS shall include any necessary instructions for the activities each ETM is expected to undertake and identify what signs they may install.

ETMs may install official traffic signs if specified on the TGS, though generally this should be limited to the ‘Traffic Controller Ahead / PREPARE TO STOP’ sign. The ‘Traffic Controller Ahead / PREPARE TO STOP’ sign shall be placed as per the requirements of the QGTTM Part 3 Section 4.8 in advance of any location where ETMs are undertaking traffic control.

The use of four cones on the centreline (refer to AGTTM Part 3 Section 4.8) in advance of traffic controllers should be used for reversible flow arrangements only and is therefore not applicable to ETMs (as ETMS cannot be used at reversible flow arrangements); however, the use of the four cones in advance of the traffic controller elsewhere (other than reversible flow) is an option in the QGTTM and may also be used if desired for ETM operations.