The job of a Traffic Controller in Australia is a preferred choice among travellers and students. The primary responsibility of the Traffic Controller is to use STOP / SLOW signs to control traffic especially in areas where road repairs are underway.

ROLE OF A TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

• It is the prime duty of you as a traffic controller to properly direct vehicles as well as pedestrians in a particular area to ensure a smooth flow. There should be no accident or any other disruption of the traffic ensured by strictly adhering to safety norms.
• You should know how to use CCTV facilities to handle traffic flows not only on local roads but also on state highways.
• Involving long working hours irrespective of weather, traffic management is also quite dangerous as the traffic controller runs the risk of being hit by speeding vehicles.
• You cannot afford to become tired or allow fatigue to overrule your physical and mental condition.
• As a traffic controller, you should also be capable of handling rude drivers who violate traffic norms.
• In case of traffic obstructions, you should know how to divert traffic and properly advise motorists.
• Your age should be at least 18 years or above.
• In order to be a traffic controller, you should have completed the approved one-day traffic controller training course and hold the Traffic Controller’s Photo Licence.
• Your “level of learning, literacy, and numeracy skills” for completing the training will also be counted.
• A driver’s licence to ensure knowledge about braking dynamics and vehicle manoeuvrability is needed.
• You should have undergone the training under RTOs who can provide training as per course requirements.
• The accreditation is valid for 3 years and it has to be updated by informing the department about the same.
• A very important point to be noted: Dress. As a traffic controller you need to wear proper “high-visibility clothing” whenever you are on duty. This will make the road users be aware of your presence on the road.
• Safety footwear as per the Australian standards are to be worn while at work.
• As a traffic controller, you should be aware of STOP/SLOW bats and how and when to use the same.
• Of course there are a few precautions you must adhere to while at work.
• Ensure that the maximum speed is 60 km/h for the approaching traffic.
• Be aware of the escape path and the distance between you and the worksite should be at least 30 meters.
• Ensure that the road user is able to see you
• Never turn your back to the traffic
• Ensure you are giving proper and clear instructions to the travellers
• Make sure that the sign boards are in order and at appropriate places
• In case of reduced visibility, more care has to be exercised.

PRE-REQUISITES
 
POWERS VESTED WITH THE TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
You, as a traffic controller, will have no power at law but you can stop vehicles as required in places where construction or maintenance is going on.
 
PRECAUTIONS
 
On a concluding note, appreciate the enormous responsibility of a traffic controller. Be ready to answer any questions related to your earlier work experiences and training related to traffic management.

Wishing you good luck! 

There are 3 different types of courses in Australia

1. Traffic Controller
2. Implement Traffic Control Plans
3. Prepare a Work Zone Traffic Management Plan.

Traffic Controller
This course provides training for personnel who are required to
control traffic with a Stop/Slow bat. This course does not qualify a participant to set up or work with traffic control plans.

This program is a good entry point for those wishing to establish
themselves into the traffic control/management industry
All training and assessment is carried out by RMS Approved
Training Providers and qualified RMS Approved trainer/assessors.

Implement Traffic Control Plans
This course provides training for personnel who are required to set
up and work with Traffic Control Guidance Schemes/Traffic
Control Plans at a work site.

This course does not qualify a participant to control traffic with a
Stop/Slow bat, or to select or modify existing traffic control plans.
This program is suited to those who have Traffic Controller
experience and wish to further their career within the traffic
control/management industry

All training and assessment is carried out by RMS Approved
Training Providers and qualified RMS Approved trainer/assessors.

Prepare a Work Zone Traffic Management Plan
This course provides training for personnel who are required to
design new traffic management plans and TCGS/TCP’s for road
works, produce major upgrades of standard plans and/or inspect
traffic control plans on road construction sites.

This course does not qualify a participant to control traffic with a
Stop/Slow bat or set up work with traffic control plans.
This program is suited to experienced traffic control/management
operators.

All training and assessment is carried out by RMS Approved
Training Providers and qualified RMS Approved trainer/assessors.

​More information is available here.