Chapter 3

Traffic Management & Control

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
What you will be
• Definitions & Objectives learning from this
• Reasons for Traffic Management chapter …

• Problems due to lack of Traffic Management

• Traffic Management Techniques
PARKING
• Parking Impacts, Policies & Types
• Parking Studies

VULNERABLE ROAD USER FACILITIES

• Pedestrian
• Cyclists
What is Traffic Management?

It is a process of adjusting or adapting the use of existing

road systems to improve traffic operations without resorting to
major new construction.

What are the objectives of Traffic Management?

The objectives of traffic management are to:

ease traffic congestion

enhance road safety
improve traffic flow
improve the transportation of people and goods
reduce the impacts of traffic on the environment
create a balanced modal split
 SHARE BY MODE OF TRANSPORT IN KUALA LUMPUR

2003 13 71 6 10
Year

1997 23 57 18 2

1985 19 47 34

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Share By Mode
back Motorcycle Car Bus Rail
Why do we need to manage traffic?

Traffic congestion problem in cities

High urban population growth results
in the increase of vehicle
ownership.
The number of private automobiles
traveling in cities is high, resulting
in traffic jams.

Public transport is affected by jams

Conflicts between Private and Public
transport occur.
Traffic jams causes disruptions in Public
transport services.
Passengers are late for work, stressed
out, and exposed to fumes, noise and
heat.
Why do we need to manage traffic?

Criticisms on new road constructions

Road networks are extended to
accommodate increasing number of
vehicles.
It does not solve the problem of
traffic jams.
It uses up government funds
(taxpayers’ money) and causes
scarcity of land.

Negative impact on the environment

and health
High energy (fuel) consumption.
Exhaust fumes, heat and noise causes
pollution and health problems.
Why do we need to manage traffic?

Mobility, accessibility and safety

problems for non-motorized road users
Conflicts between vulnerable road
users (pedestrians & cyclists) and
motorized transport.
These users find it hard to travel,
access is intruded, and their safety
is at risk.

Increased travel cost

Cost, in terms of money and time,
increases as more time is spent on the
road due to traffic jams.
What problems may occur if traffic is not well managed?

Traffic Congestion
Road Accidents
Disruption of Public Transportation
Adverse effects on Environment
Safety Risk for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Increased Travel Cost
Using up of Funds and Land
 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

Category Objectives Techniques

Improve Capacity  Efficient use of fuel Link & Junctions improvement

 Reduce time wastage On Street parking & trading restrictions
 Promote and develop urban Traffic signals improvement
economy One way & Tidal flow movements
Roadmarkings and Signing improvements

Allocate Priorities  Protect vulnerable road users Pedestrian areas

 Increase effectiveness of high Cycle lanes
occupancy vehicles Bus & HOV lanes
Selective detection at signals
Exemption from other regulations

Restraint  Improve public amenity Parking Controls

 Protect environment Physical restraints
 Improve safety Area licensing
Road pricing
Traffic calming
LINK & INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS
To increase capacity Provide channelization
To enhance safety
To reduce delays
To control speed

Use traffic signals

LINK & INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS

Create safe crossing for pedestrians

Provide large waiting areas, pedestrian refuges, and shorter

crossing distances

Treatment for crossing at an

intersection Treatment for crossing at a
midblock
LINK & INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS

Control speed on the approaches

Neckdowns
PARKING & LOADING CONTROL

Parking and loading control should be implemented on main traffic

routes, especially during peak hours and near pedestrian movements.

Parking & Loading Restriction

PARKING & LOADING CONTROL
Benefits of parking & loading restrictions:
Relieves traffic congestion
Improve safety
Improves visibility for and of pedestrians
who want to cross

When on-street parking restriction is

enforced, provide sufficient off-street
parking spaces.
Designated loading areas must be allocated
for loading activity.
Loading can be permitted only on the back
lane, where access is only for goods vehicles.
ONE-WAY STREET
Advantages:

Reduces conflict points

Increases capacity
Increases speed & flow
Reduces delay
Eliminates head-on collisions
Eliminates dazzle
Easier for pedestrians to
cross the road

Proper street signing is very important for one-way streets.

TURNING & ENTRY RESTRICTIONS

Turning restrictions may be imposed:

if the road is not able to accommodate
large volumes of vehicles (No Right-Turn).
if the maneuver is obstructive and
dangerous (No U-turn).
if the road or junction geometry is not
adequately designed for turning movements
of large vehicles (Light Vehicles Only).

Entry restrictions may be imposed:

for one way street schemes
for certain periods of the day
for certain vehicle classes
CONTRA FLOW (Tidal Flow / Reverse Flow)
Contra flow is applied when there is an
imbalance in directional distribution of
traffic during peak hours.
Traffic on one direction is in excess
while traffic on the opposing direction is
low.
Justified when 65% or more of the total
traffic during peak periods is in one
direction.
One lane in the lower volume direction is
used for traffic on the higher volume
direction.
This lane is separated using barricades
and channelizing devices and provided
with proper signing.
 PEDESTRIAN SEGREGATION Pedestrian Precinct
Separate pedestrians from vehicular
traffic.
Objectives:
- To reduce pedestrian-vehicle conflicts
- To enhance pedestrian safety
- To enforce ‘No Jaywalking’ regulations

Pedestrian Guardrails
Sidewalk separation using
planting strip
CYCLIST SEGREGATION

Bicycle Lanes
BUS & HOV LANES Contra-Flow Bus Lane

Bus Lanes

With-Flow Bus Lanes

Guided
Bus Lane
(Busway)
BUS & HOV LANES Contra-flow HOV Segregated HOV
Lane Lane
HOV Lanes

HOV Lane Signages

With-flow HOV Lane

BUS PRIORITY

“Smart Intersection” uses bus detector to manipulate traffic signal

which allows green phase for buses.
BUS PRIORITY
Types of detection systems:
TRAFFIC RESTRAINT
Types of traffic restraint measures:

(1) DO NOTHING

Drivers will eventually make trips during off-peak periods,

choose to use alternative routes, and take alternative modes
of transport.

(2) PHYSICAL MEASURES

Banning or prohibiting entry of certain classes of vehicles.

Examples: Introduction of Bus & HOV Lanes, Bicycle lanes,
Pedestrian precincts, etc.
TRAFFIC RESTRAINT

(3) REGULATORY MEASURES

Parking, waiting & loading control.

Impose stiffer penalties and fines if
regulations are violated.
Limit the number of parking spaces in
the city.
Impose higher taxes for parking
operators.

(4) FISCAL MEASURES

Vehicle tax
Fuel tax
Road Pricing / Area Licensing
TRAFFIC CALMING
Traffic calming involves changes in street alignment, installation of
barriers, and other physical measures to reduce traffic speeds
and/or cut-through volumes, in the interest of street safety,
livability, and other public purposes.

(1) VERTICAL DEFLECTIONS

Speed Hump Speed Lumps

Speed Bump
TRAFFIC CALMING
(1) VERTICAL DEFLECTIONS Raised Crosswalk

Speed Table Speed Cushions

Raised Intersection

Textured pavement
TRAFFIC CALMING
(2) HORIZONTAL DEFLECTIONS

Traffic circle

Chicane

Roundabout
TRAFFIC CALMING Central Island Narrowing

(3) HORIZONTAL NARROWINGS

Neckdown

Choker
CONTROL OVER ACCESSES AND DEVELOPMENT

 This is bad planning

Houses have direct access to
mainroad.
Future development on the opposite
land will add on to more access
points on the mainroad.
Accident risk is high.

 This is a better and safer plan

Houses have direct access to a
service road that is connected to
the mainroad.
Future development is located away
from the mainroad.
This is a lot safer!
ENFORCE TRAFFIC LAWS

Traffic law enforcement is meant to

achieve safe and efficient movement
of all road users, including
pedestrians.

Stiffer fines and penalties should be

imposed on traffic offenders in
order to prevent repeat offences.

Regular patrols should be made by

law enforcers.

Road users will learn to respect

other road users and become more
responsible and tolerant.
SPEED LIMITS AND SPEED ZONES
Speed control can be achieved through
imposing speed limits and implementing
speed zones.

Speed limits should be realistic –

depending on the road design standard,
road geometry, and type of area.

Speed zones should be introduced at

areas with high pedestrian activity, such
as schools.

Enforcement is vital. Road signing,

pavement marking, and traffic calming can
complement these speed limits and speed
zones.
MANAGING HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES (HGV)
HGVs are a nuisance to traffic:
causes damage to road pavement and
other road structures
impedes traffic
when involved in an accident, can cause
serious injury and damage, or be fatal

HGV operations are not adequately

regulated.
Vehicles may be defective.
There may be no criteria set for hiring
HGV drivers.
Due to long distance travel, drivers may
take alcohol and drugs to stay awake.
Vehicles are grossly overloaded (axle
loads of 25-30 tonnes are common).
MANAGING HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES (HGV)
Areawide HGV Management Scheme
Prohibition of HGVs from entering or
passing an area or section of a road.
HGV cordons can be used to prevent
through movement while still permitting
access.

Off-peak Travel for HGVs

HGVs are permitted to use specified
routes only during off-peak periods.
MANAGING HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES (HGV)

Loading Restriction
Implemented during peak periods to ensure traffic is not impeded
on major routes. Deliveries and collections can be made early in the
morning or late at night.
In pedestrianized areas,they must be done using rear servicing
facilities.
PROVIDING FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Encouraging the use of public transport is the best solution to

reduce congestion (by reducing private automobile usage).

Problems with Public Transport Service:

Inadequate services during peak hours.
Overcrowding.
Delays and inconsistent schedules.
Transit facilities are in deplorable
state.
High fares for poor service.
Journey is too long.
Solution:
Bus Rapid Transit, Busway, Exclusive Bus Lanes, Bus Streets

Light Rail Transit, Monorail, Express Rail Transit, Bullet Train

Improvement of transit facilities

PROVIDING FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Entry for
Bus Only street Bus Priority
Bus & Taxi

Mass Transit

Bus Rapid Transit Inter-modal Transit

ACTIVE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
Active Traffic Management (ATM) can be defined as dynamically
managing and controlling traffic, based on prevailing conditions. Using
integrated systems and a coordinated response, both recurrent and non-
recurrent congestion can be managed to provide improved roadway safety
and throughput.

With travel demand on the rise and increasing congestion, coupled with
the reality of today’s financial constraints, active traffic management
can be an excellent operational strategy.

Example of ATM techniques:

1. Speed harmonisation
2. Queue warning
3. Ramp metering
4. Dynamic message sign
5. Temporary shoulder use
6. Automated speed enforcement
7. Dynamic re-routing and traveler information
8. Dynamic lane marking 38
9. Travel time signs
ACTIVE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

(1) SPEED HARMONISATION

Uses an expert system to

monitor data coming from
field-deployed sensors on a
roadway and automatically
adjust speed limits when
congestion thresholds are
exceeded and congestion and
queue formation are
impending.

Sign gantries that span the

facility provide speed limits
and additional information,
depending on roadway
conditions.

39
ACTIVE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

(2) QUEUE WARNING

Employed to warn motorists

of queues or backups, and
direct through-traffic to
alternate lanes through the
display of warning signs and
flashing lights.

The benefit of queue

warning is that it effectively
utilizes available roadway
capacity and reduces the
likelihood of speed
differentials and collisions
related to queuing.

40
ACTIVE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

(3) RAMP METERING

A procedure used to reduce congestion by managing vehicle flow

from local-access on-ramps.

The entrance ramp is equipped with a traffic signal that allows

vehicles to enter the freeway at predetermined intervals.

41
ACTIVE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

(4) DYNAMIC MESSAGE SIGN

Also known as Variable Message

Sign (VMS), this method involves
permanently installed or portable
electronic traffic signs used on
roadways to give travelers
information about roadway
conditions (e.g. congestion,
crashes, incidents, work zones,
speed limits, etc.)

It can be changed or switched on

or off as required and can be
used to provide roadway lane
control, speed control, and
operational restrictions.

42
ACTIVE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

(5) TEMPORARY SHOULDER USE

The opening up the shoulder next to

the outside lane of traffic for
temporary use to address capacity
bottlenecks on the freeway network
during times of congestion and
reduced travel speeds.

Travel on the shoulder is permitted

only when speed harmonization is
active and speed limits are reduced.
Signs indicate when travel on the
shoulder is permitted.

Also known as hard shoulder running

or a rush-hour lane, this practice
can minimize recurrent congestion and
manage traffic during incidents.
43
ACTIVE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

(6) AUTOMATED SPEED ENFORCEMENT

Automated enforcement of speeds involve an expert system that

combine radar and image capturing technologies which can detect
real-time speeds of vehicles at locations with speed limits, and
capture photographic evidence (license plate and/or picture of driver)
of speed violations that can be used to issue a citation.
44
ACTIVE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

(7) DYNAMIC REROUTING & TRAVELER INFORMATION

Involves the provision of

route information on
overhead sign gantries along
a roadway in response to
recurrent and nonrecurrent
congestion.

The signs provide en-route

guidance information to
motorists on queues, major
incidents, and appropriate
routes.

This method can effectively

utilize available roadway
capacity by redirecting
traffic to less congested
facilities. 45
ACTIVE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

(8) DYNAMIC LANE MARKINGS

Uses intelligent solar-

powered or hardwired road
studs with built-in LED
which provide support to
active management
strategies.

They give clear guidance to

the driver by actively
defining and delineating
travel paths for drivers and
other road users.

46
ACTIVE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

(9) TRAVEL TIME SIGNS

Travel time signs provide estimated travel time and other condition
reports and communicate travel and traffic conditions.

This allows for better en-route decisions by travelers

47
INTELLIGENT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Application in Malaysia:
INTEGRATED TRANSPORT INFORMATION SYSTEM (ITIS)

48
INTELLIGENT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

49