5.4Location of traffic controller operating the PTCD#

The key factors in determining a safe location for traffic controllers when operating PTCDs include site geometry, traffic control device position, sight distance, roadside terrain / vegetation, the type of PTCD used, the vehicle mix and their approach speeds. Environmental factors, (for example fog, rain, dust, or smoke) and time of day / night, also need to be considered. Traffic controllers must occupy a position which:

is clear of the travel path (the risk of being struck by passing vehicles is significantly reduced as the offset distance is increased)
has an escape path
has good visibility of approaching traffic.

For effective operation of a PTCD, the traffic controller should be positioned:

so as not to distract drivers from focusing their attention on the PTCD
to enable effective communication to both site workers and other traffic controllers (if applicable)
to enable the traffic controller to identify the last vehicle before changing to STOP
to be close enough to the PTCD to allow the traffic controller to commence STOP / SLOW bat duties in the event of a system failure; in the case of a single traffic controller operating two PTCDs, the traffic controller should be located near the traffic control station, which is on approach to the closed section of road (as this is the critical approach to control in the event of a failure), and
to have visibility of the PTCD (either the front face or rear indicator light) and traffic queues. In the case of a single traffic controller operating two PTCDs, the traffic controller should be located to have visibility of both devices and traffic queues for each approach.