Traffic management

Traffic Management is the term used to describe the management of the existing road network and its users to maximise safety, efficiency and reliability.

Transport for NSW goal is to optimise road space allocation and traffic movement so that the best performance possible is achieved for all road users at all times.

Managing the road network in New South Wales is a complex task requiring consideration of many issues including:

Improving road safety.
Managing commuter, bus, freight and tourism movement.
Improving transport alternatives including bicycling, walking and travel demand management.
Congestion in major urban areas.
Delays caused by planned and unplanned incidents and special events.
Integration of land use developments into the road network.

Information for councils

Councils have an important role in managing traffic movement and working with TfNSW in dealing with these issues on its own Regional and Local roads.

Transport for NSW and local government can improve the safe and efficient movement through improvements in the design, construction of the road network and management of road users.

Transport for NSW supports the principle of moderating traffic growth by encouraging people to reduce car use and maximise the capacity of the existing road network.

Priorities include managing and developing the road network and its use in a way that balances the needs of:

public transport passengers
cyclists
motorcyclists
pedestrians
motorists
commercial operators.

Dealing with unplanned incidents which affect safety and/or traffic flow

An unplanned incident occurs without prior notice which can degrade safety and/or slow traffic flow and may include disabled vehicles, crashes, adverse weather conditions and debris on the road.

Traffic incident management refers to the delivery of planning and operational tasks by the responsible road authority in response to an unplanned incident.

The Incident Management Fact Sheet (PDF, 52.19 KB) (PDF, 52.19 KB)summarises the dealings between New South Wales road authorities in relation to traffic incident management on the state road network.

NSW road authorities include Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and local councils. The information focuses on the management of unplanned traffic incidents in regional NSW. Matters relating to emergency management and similar circumstance are excluded.