LESSON 2.

FUNDAMENTALS OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Concept

Traffic Management is best understood by understanding the following commonly used

words and terminologies. Some of these are defined according to their "operational definitions "
and some are defined based on their general definitions. However, most of these terminologies
are defined based on Chapter 1, Article 1 of the United Nations Vienna Convention on Road
Traffic (UN-VCRT) in 1968. The definitions of the UN are also adopted by the Department of
Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on their "Highway Safety Design Standards" published in
2012.

ARTERIAL HIGHWAYS/ROADS. These are high-capacity urban roads that direct traffic from
collector roads to expressways or freeways. It also refers to a highway that is used primarily
bythrough traffic.

ARTICULATED VEHICLE. It means a combination of vehicles comprising a motor vehicle

and a semi-trailer coupled to the motor vehicle (UN-VCRT, 1968). See and compare also the
definition based on R.A. 4136 as stated in Lesson 3.2 of this book.

BUILT-UP AREA. It refers to an area with entries and exits especially sign posted as such or
otherwise defined in domestic legislation (UN-VCRT, 1968).

CARRIAGEWAY. It means the part of the road normally used by vehicular traffic (UN-VCRT,
1968). It is also known as ROADWAY.

COLLECTOR HIGHWAY. It is also known as collector road or distributor road which

connects low-to-moderate highways or roads to arterial highways such as those entering
residential properties. It also refers to a highway that serves primarily to funnel traffic from one
local highway to another or between arterials and local highways.

COMBINATION OF VEHICLES. It means coupled vehicles which travel on the road as a unit
(UN-VCRT, 1968).

CYCLE. It means any vehicle which has at least two wheels and is propelled solely by the
muscular energy of the persons on that vehicle, in particular by means of pedals or hand-cranks
(UN- VCRT, 1968).

DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC AND APPROPRIATE TO THE DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC.

These mean the right-hand side if, under domestic legislation, the driver of a vehicle must allow
an oncoming vehicle to pass on his left; otherwise these expressions mean the left-hand side (UN-
VCRT, 1968).

DOMESTIC LEGISLATION. It is the entire body of nationalor local laws and regulations in
force in the territory (country)

DRIVER. It means any person who drives a motor vehicle or other vehicle (including a cycle), or
who guides cattle, singly or in herds, or flocks, or draught, pack or saddle animals on a road (UN-
VCRT, 1968). See and compare also the definition based on R.A. 4136 as stated in Lesson 3.2 of
this book.

GIVE WAY. It means that a driver must not continue or resume his advance or manoeuvre
(maneuver) if by so doing he might compel the drivers of other vehicles to change the direction or
speed of their vehicles abruptly (UN-VCRT, 1968).

HIGHWAY. It means the entire width between the boundary lines of every way dedicated to a
public authority when any part of the way is open to the use of the public for purposes of
vehicular traffic, whether or not the public authority is maintaining the way. Or, highway refers to
any roads, streets, boulevards, or avenues used as public thoroughfare. See and compare also the
definition based on R.A. 4136 as stated in Lesson 3.2 of this book.

INTERSECTION. It means any level crossroad, junction or fork, including the open areas
formed by such crossroads, junctions or forks (UN-VCRT, 1968):

LADEN WEIGHT. It means the actual weight of the vehicle as loaded, with the crew and
passengers on board (UN-VCRT,1968).

LANE. It means one of the longitudinal strips from which the carriageway can be divided
whether or not defined by , longitudinal road markings (UN-VCRT, 1968).

LEVEL-CROSSING. It means any level intersection between a road and a railway or tramway
track with its own track formation (UN-VCRT, 1968),.

LIGHT TRAILER. This means any trailer of a permissible maximum weight not exceeding 750
kg ( ls650 lb) (UN-VCRT, 1968).

MANAGEMENT. It refers to the skillful use of means accomplish a purpose.

MOPED. It means any two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle which is fitted with an internal
combustion engine having a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cc (3-05 cu o in o) and a
maximum design speed not exceeding 50 km (30 miles) per hour (UN-VCRT, 1968).

MOTOR CYCLE. It means any two-wheeled vehicle, with or without a side-car, which is
equipped with a propelling engine (UN-VCRT, 1968).

MOTOR VEHICLE. It means any power-driven vehicle which is normally used for carrying
persons or goods by road or for drawing, on the road, vehicles used for the carriage of persons or
goods. This term embraces trolley-buses, that is to say, vehicles connected to an electric
conductor and not rail-borne. It does not cover vehicles, such as agricultural tractors, which are
only incidentally used for carrying persons or goods by goods by road or for drawing, on the
road, vehicles used for the carriage of persons or goods (UN-VCRT, 1968). See and compare also
the definition based on R.A. 4136 as stated in Lesson 3.2 of this book.

MOTORWAY. It means a road specially designed pue built for motor traffic, which does not
serve properties bordering on it, and which (UN-VCRT, 1968).:

(i) is provided, except at special points or temporarily, with separate carriageways for the
two directions of traffic, separated from each other either by dividing strip not intended for
traffic or, exceptionally, by other means; (ii) does not cross at level with any road, railway or
tramway track, or footpath; and (iii) is specially sign-posted as a motorway

OPERATION. Pertains to a course or series of acts to effect a certain purpose; manner of action;
or a vital or natural process of activity.

PARKED. A vehicle is said to be parked if it is stationary for the period during which the vehicle
is not limited to the time needed to pick up or set down persons or goods (UN-VCRT, 1968). See
and compare also the definition based on R.A. 4136 as stated in Lesson 3.2 of this book.

WEIGHT MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE. It means the maximum weight of the laden vehicle
declared permissible by the competent authority of the State in which the vehicle is registered
(UN-VCRT, 1968).

POWER-DRIVEN VEHICLE. It means any self-propelled road vehicle, other than a moped in
the territories of Contracting Parties which do not treat mopeds as motor cycles, and other than a
rail-borne vehicle (UN-VCRT, 1968).

ROAD. It refers to the entire surface of any street open to public traffic (UN-VCRT, 1968). It
also includes shoulder and sidewalk (DPWH, 2012). Hence, to DPWH, the term "road" is
synonymous to trafficway. For purposes of construction, repair, and/or maintenance, roads are
classified as:

1. National Roads - These are roads/streets interconnecting provinces and/or cities.

2. Provincial Roads - These are roads/streets interconnecting municipalities and/or cities

within a province.

3. City Roads - These are roads/streets interconnecting barangays with a city.

4. Municipal Roads - These are roads/streets interconnecting barangays within a

municipality.

5. Barangay Roads - These are roads/streets located within a barangay which connect
sitios or places within a barangay.

ROAD USERS. It shall mean any persons using the road including drivers, pedestrians, cyclists,
and commuters (UN-VCRT, 1968).

ROADWAY. It refers to that part of the trafficway (road) over which vehicles pass (Cambridge
Online Dictionary, n.d.).

RURAL ROADS. These are roads where speed limit is over 60kph. Although there are high-
speed roads in the urban area, for the purpose of the line marking, they are defined as rural roads
(UN-VCRT, 1968).

SEMI-TRAILER. It means any trailer designed to be coupled to a motor vehicle in such a way
that part of it rests on the motor vehicle and that a substantial part of its weight and of the weight
of its load is borne by the motor vehicle (UN-VCRT, 1968). See and compare also the definition
based on R.A. 4136 as stated in Lesson 3.2 of this book.

SHOULDER. I refers to either side of the roadway especially along highways.

SIDEWALK. It refers to the paved walkway along the side of a street. It also means the area
determined as follows:

1) On the side of a highway which has a shoulder, a sidewalk is that portion of the
highway between the outside lateral line of the shoulder and the adjacent property line
capable of being used by a pedestrian.

2) On the side of a highway which has no shoulder, a sidewalk is that portion of the
highway between the lateral line of the roadway and the adjacent property line capable
of being used by a pedestrian.

STANDING. A vehicle is said to be standing if it is stationary for the time needed to pick up or
set down persons or to load or unload goods (UN-VCRT, 1968).

THROUGH HIGHWAY. It means every highway or portion thereof on which vehicular traffic
is given the right-of-way, and at the entrances to which vehicular traffi c from intersecting
highways is required by law to yield right-of-way to vehicles on such through highway in
obedience to either an authorized stop sign or a yield sign, or other official traffic-control device.

THRUWAY OR THROUGHWAY. It is a highway that has limited entrances and exits such as
the expressways, freeways, or motorways. It is known as autobahn in German-speaking countries
and autostrada in Italian-speaking countries (thefreedictionary.com)

TRAFFIC. It refers to the movement of persons, goods, or vehicles, either powered by

combustion system or animal drawn, from one place to another for the purpose of travel. [Early
16th century. Via obsolete French trafique from Old Italian traffico from trafficare 'to carry on
trade', of uncertain origin.]
TRAFFIC WAY. Refers to the entire width between boundary lines of every way or place of
which any part is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular traffic as a matter of right
or It is also synonymous to public way and road. custom. (Moriyama, 1943)

TRAILER. It means any vehicle designed to be drawn by a power-driven vehicle and includes
semi-trailers (UN-VCRT, 1968). See and compare also the definition based on R.A. 4136 as
stated in Lesson 3.2 of this book.

UNLADEN WEIGHT. It means the weight of the vehicle without crew, passengers or load, but
with a full supply of fuel and with the tools which the vehicle normally carries (UN-VCRT,
1968).

URBAN ROADS. These are roads where speed limit is 60kph or less (UN-VCRT, 1968).

The Intersection

In most American State laws, intersection is defined as the area embraced within the
prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines, or, if none, then the lateral boundary lines of
the roadways of two highways which join one another at, or approximately at, right angles, or the
area within which vehicles traveling upon different highways joining at any other angle may
come in conflict. (leg.state.nv.us) It is synonymous to crossroads junctions, or crossings.

In a simpler language, intersection refers to the area of roadway created when two or
more roadways join together at any angle, as described in one of the following (oregonlaws.org):

1) If the roadways have curbs, the intersection is the area embraced within the
prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines

2) If the roadways do not have curbs, the intersection is the area embraced within the
prolongation or connection of the lateral boundary lines of the roadways.

Classifications of Intersections According to Number of Intersecting roads:

1. 3-way Intersection - It is commonly known as the T or Y crossroad which links three roads.

2. 4-way Intersection - It is the most common type which involved the crossings of two
roadways. It is either a regular intersection when the two roads cross perpendicularly and it
is called skewed intersection when the two roads cross at different angles.

3. 5-way Intersection - It involves the crossing of five roads. This type is the least common.

4. 6-way Intersection - It involves the crossing of three streets most often two perpendicular
roads and one diagonal road. This type is very rare.

5. Staggered Intersection - It involves two successive T crossroads.

Classifications of Intersections According to Traffic Control:

1. Controlled Intersection - It is controlled by any traffic control devices.

a. Yield-controlled Intersection - It is usually controlled by a Yield sign or Give Way

sign.

b. Stop-controlled Intersection - A Stop sign is usually installed. Most common are the
two-way stops an most countries use the four-way stops or the first-to- stop first-to-go
rule.
 c. Traffic Circle - Traffic flow here is directed by a circle, rotary island, or a runabout
sign.

2. Uncontrolled Intersection - This intersection has no traffic signals or traffic signs. Crossing is
by observing the right- of-way rule.

3. Box Junction - This type generally prohibits entry unless the exit is clear.

4. Cloverleaf - A highway interchange at which two highways, one crossing over the other, have
a series of entrance and exit ramps resembling the outline of a four-leaf clover and enabling
vehicles to proceed in either direction on either highway.

It is the inherent characteristic of the intersection as the point where two or more streets,
roads, or highways met which attributed to most traffic problems or conflicts. It goes with it that
when motor vehicles cross each other's path, interlocking of traffic flows or sometimes collisions
occur because of occupying the space (intersection) at one given time.

What is Traffic Management?

Traffic management is the application of the processes and skills in planning, organizing,
staffing, directing, coordinating, and budgeting to traffic affairs (Bragado, 1998). Traffic
Management also refers to the activities undertaken by a highway transportation agency to
improve roadway system safety, efficiency, and effectiveness for both providers and consumers
of transportation services (Sigua, 2008). It also refers to the organization, arrangement, guidance
and control of both stationary and moving traffic, including pedestrians, bicyclists and all types of
vehicles (Underwood, 1990).

Considering these two definitions, it can be concluded that traffic management is for the
attainment of traffic efficiency.

Types of traffic management.

The two distinct types of traffic management are the used or utilization of:

1) traditional traffic engineering tools or devices, to regulate or control traffic, such as

traffic lights, traffic signs, or pavement markings, traffic islands, and other devices that
could control or direct the flow of traffic (these will be discussed in latter
chapters/modules); and

2) advanced technology like the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). Examples of the
ITS are the installation of road sensors for emergency cars, global positioning devices
on motor vehicles, and road sensors attached to traffic signal lights.

Why Traffic Management is necessary?

In every traffic management, three elements are necessary to be considered. These are the
road (trafficway) system, road users, and the enforcement (and/or control) procedures. Failure to
coordinate these elements in a particular highway and/or intersection may cause traffic-related
problems.

With the advent of science and technology, new and modernized traffic facilities are
introduced. However, despite of these modernizations, traffic congestions persist to exist. The
only way to at least cope up with the prevailing traffic related problems is a coordinated traffic
management. Traffic management is therefore designed to make the trafficway safer for travelers,
expedite the movement of traffic, and to provide convenience to the traffic facilities' users. In
short, traffic management aims to attain efficiency in the utilization of the trafficway.

A. Major Causes of Traffic Congestion -Based on studies conducted by authorities.

1. Physical Inadequacy. This is characterized by lack of roads, narrow bridges, railroad
crossings, lack of traffic facilities, etc.

2. Poor Control Measures. This is characterized by ineffective mechanical control devices,

inefficient traffic officers, and poor implementation of traffic laws, rules and regulations.

3. Human Errors. Many traffic congestion are caused by slow drivers or poor driving habits,
pedestrian mistakes, officers' errors, poor planning, poor legislation; and traffic accidents which
are mostly attributed to human errors.

4. Poor Maintenance. Oftentimes motor vehicles ais stalled in traffic ways because of unrepaired
diggings, cracks on road pavement or unfinished road pavement concreting. This can be
attributed to inappropriate budget for the maintenance of the traffic facilities. On the other hand,
police should also report lights out, damage portion of the traffic way to expedite the action from
the concerned government offices.

B. Specific Traffic Problems - Traffic managers and traffic control officers commonly encounter
the following traffic-related problems:

1. Traffic Build-up - It is characterized by the gradual increasing of traffic users in a

given portion of the highway or trafficway.

2. Traffic Congestion - These are conditions on road networks that occurs as use
increases, and is characterized by slower speeds, longer trip times, and increased
vehicular queuing.

3. Traffic Jams (start-up) - These are situations in highways in which the movement of
traffic users (motor vehicles or pedestrians) is very slow or stationary.

4. Bottlenecks - These are narrow points o areas in highways where traffic congestions or
traffic jams usually occur or traffic may be held up.

5. Gridlocks - A state or condition of severe road congestion arising when continuous

queues of vehicles block an entire network of intersecting streets, bringing traffic in all
directions to a complete standstill. hese traffic blockages are usually caused interlocking
of intersection grids.

6. Accidents - These are events or incidents which may cause unintentional damage to
property, loss of limbs and/or death.

7. Collisions - These are incidents or instances of one moving traffic unit or person
striking violently against another

C. Scopes of Traffic Management. In connection with the above stated causes of congestion,
authorities conceived that a systematic and effective traffic management is needed which includes
but not limited to the following.

1. All public surface facilities traversing and parking and all types of conveyances for the
movement of persons and things. This includes the provisions on the controlling traffic
flow as well as provisions for the allotments of parking lots or parking places.

2. All agencies having responsibilities for ascertaining traffic flow requirements, planning,
approving, funding, construction and/or maintaining these public facilities for such
movements. This area includes traffic planning committees, those involved in traffic
engineering, and the legislative bodies in the appropriations of funds.

3. All agencies responsible f o licensing , approving,restricting, stopping, prohibiting or

controlling the use of these facilities. Thne agencies involved in this area are the Land
Transportation Office(LTO) and other traffic enforcement agencies.
D. Agencies Involved in Traffic Management. For a successful and effective traffic
management, specific roles and responsibilities are vested on the following.

1. Department of Transportation (DOTr, formerly DOTC). The DOTr through the Land
Transportation Office (LTO) is responsible for the implementation of the Land Transportation
Code of the Philippines (R.A. 4136) particularly on the issuance of drivers' licenses, registration
of motor vehicles, approval of franchises for public conveyances (through the Land
Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)), and conducting traffic safety
seminars.

2. City or Municipal Engineers' Office. In the local level, these offices are responsible for the
planning, construction and maintenance of traffic facilities within their respective locality.

3. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). This is the main executive
department which is responsible for the planning, construction and maintenance of traffic
facilities particularly those categorized as national highways and other major road arteries.

4. Legislative (Congress/City or Municipal Boards). The legislative bodies are not only
responsible for the passing or amendment of laws concerning traffic but also they are involved in
the planning and approval of government projects.

5. Philippine National Police (PNP). The PNP through its Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG)
(formerly the Traffic Management Group (PNP-TMG)) is responsible primarily for the direct
enforcement of traffic laws, rules and regulations. They also perform other functions such as
conducting of information dissemination campaign, submitting traffic scheme proposals, and
other functions as the need arises.

6. Traffic Management Bureaus (TMBs). These are offices created mostly under the offices of
city/municipal mayors with the primary task of assisting the local PNP traffic divisions/units in
the enforcement of traffic ordinances/laws. These are usually under and/or attached with the local
government's Public Utility Services Office (PUSO).

7. Academic Institutions. Schools, both public and private, are responsible for the basic traffic
education by integrating in their respective programs and curriculum subjects or topics on traffic
safety.

8. Courts. The courts are responsible for the adjudication of traffic-related cases filed before
them.

9. Public Information Offices. The government through the Philippine Information Agency
(PIA) provides the necessary updated information to the public by creating traffic safety
campaigns and other activities relating to traffic.

10. Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) Members. In particular, the barangay
tanods or barangay security forces are the usual traffic control officers in their respective
localities particularly during times of emergencies.

11. Citizen Support Groups. The private institutions or organizations also help in the prevention
of traffic congestion by assisting government offices in various activities particularly during
special occasions and holidays where traffic problem is likely to happen.

12. Tri-Media (including the internet). Government and privately-owned publications, and
radio and television broadcasting companies provide necessary and updated traffic-related
information t he public through their respective programs.

With the preceding accounts, a successful traffic management is not the sole
responsibility of the government but rather a concerted effort between the government and private
organizations.