Manuel S.

Enverga University Foundation

Lucena City, Philippines
Granted Autonomous Status
CHED CEB Res. 076-2009

SVCP 313- PRINCIPLES OF TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING

MODULE 1 WEEK 2

TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC ENGINEERING PRACTICE

Definitions

Transportation engineering is a filed or branch of civil engineering that deals with the
application of technology and scientific principles to the planning, functional design, operation, and
management of facilities for any mode of transportation in order to provide for the safe, rapid,
comfortable, convenient, economical, and environmentally compatible movement of people and goods.
On the other hand, traffic engineering is that phases of transportation engineering that deals with the
planning, geometric design, and traffic operations of roads, streets and highways, their networks,
terminals, abutting lands, and relationships with other modes of transportation.

The use of traffic signals for controlling traffic came much earlier. The first recorded use of traffic
signals was in 1868 in Great Britain. The signals were illuminated by town gas. However, the use of
gas was discontinued after an explosion incident.

TRAFFIC ENGINEERING IN THE PHILIPPINES

The traffic engineering practice in the Philippines is still new. Most intersections were
previously controlled by traffic police officers or by manually operated traffic signals. Outside Metro
Manila, manually operated semaphore signals displaying STOP or GO message were installed on top
of police outposts located at the center of the intersection. In 1977, the Traffic Engineering and
Management (TEAM) Project first implemented an area traffic control system in Metro Manila. It was
almost at the same period when the Traffic Control Center, later renamed as the Traffic Engineering
Center (TEC), was established. The center was responsible for the implementation of various traffic
engineering and management measures such as traffic signalization, geometric improvement of
intersections, etc. In 1976, the Transport Training Center (TTC) was established in the University of
the Philippines with assistance from Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency
(JICA). TTC started its training program in 1978 in the fields of traffic engineering, transportation
planning, and traffic management for traffic law enforcers. TTC was renamed as the National Center
for Transportation Studies and became a regular unit of UP Diliman in 1993, with research and support
to graduate programs in the fields of transportation engineering and transportation planning as
additional functions.

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT

Telefax No. (042) 710-3151; E-Mail: engg.dept_mseuf@yahoo.com.ph

WJRN 08/22/22
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation
Lucena City, Philippines
Granted Autonomous Status
CHED CEB Res. 076-2009

CHAPTER 2- TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Traffic management is a term used to embody the activities undertaken by a highway

transportation agency to improve roadway system safety, efficiency and effectiveness for both
providers and consumers of transportation services. There are two distinct types of traffic management.
The first one is through the use of traditional traffic engineering tools or simple devices to regulate and
control traffic. The second relies more on simple devices to regulate and control traffic. The second
relies more on advanced technology through the use of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).
Advancement of ITS has been the primary goal of many developed countries. The more conventional
applications are common in developing countries. However, it is not uncommon in both developed and
developing countries to have a combination of conventional methods and ITS application.

TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

Many individuals feel that traffic controls are an encroachment on their individual driving
rights. It must be stressed, however, that driving is not a right but a privilege. It is therefore necessary
to show that restrictions are for the general welfare, and it must be demonstrated that regulations do
not curtail the rights or actions of the majority.
Traffic regulation must cover all aspects of the control of both vehicle (registration, ownership,
mechanical fitness, accessories, size, and weight) and driver (age, ability to operate specific types of
vehicles, financial responsibility).
Traffic regulations must be reasonable and effective. This can only be achieved through careful study.
Facts must be sought through the conduct of traffic studies, accident analysis, keeping driver records,
and other data.

All traffic regulations are dependent upon the laws of the states and local governments, especially the
ordinances of cities. Legislative bodies and traffic authorities must keep in mind that unreasonable
restrictions or regulations are not likely to last very long.

Effective Traffic Regulation

There are fundamental requirements for traffic regulation to be effective. These are as follows:

a. Regulation should be rational.

Irrational regulations cannot be enforcing except by tremendous effort and expense. Social, economic,
and human problems must be considered. If the habits of a community are greatly at variance with the
regulations, success cannot be attained for any substantial period of time.

b. Regulations should be developed progressively.

Regulations must be planned over a long period of time, and the effects must be carefully observed so
that alterations can be made as experience dictates. Experience shows that abrupt changes in regulation
often lead to increase in the occurrence of traffic accidents.

c. Regulations alone often are not enough.

Regulations constitute but one approach to the overall traffic problem. When public acceptance is poor
and enforcement is lax, regulations may be totally ineffective. They must be used in conjunction with
control devices, overall highway planning and design, and administrative policies.

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT

Telefax No. (042) 710-3151; E-Mail: engg.dept_mseuf@yahoo.com.ph

WJRN 08/22/22