Key factors with traffic control for lorries

There are millions of commercial vehicles on roads all around the world. A large part of these are lorries responsible for delivering a massive array of different products. In fact, there are 6.5 million in Europe and over 500,000 in the UK alone. With so many vehicles, it is important to think about traffic control. It will ensure safety, help reduce the risk of congestion, and ensure goods can travel more securely.

Three crucial questions

The first thing to look at here is when vehicles will be on the roads. One of the most interesting things about lorries is you tend to see them 24 hours a day. It all depends on scheduling. For example, some vehicles will be on the roads to make deliveries to shops and supermarkets overnight so they can restock when there are no customers. Some towns and cities actually restrict goods vehicles to delivering at these times to ensure there is less traffic on the roads, minimising the chance of congestion.

Secondly, you need to consider how many routes there actually are in an area. If there is only one main road in and out, congestion can be a major issue even without lots of lorries. However, if there are multiple routes there can be plans to restrict roads to different types of vehicles at various times. It can help to reduce overcrowding.

Finally, you need to think about the activities that will take place with the vehicles. Lorries will generally be focusing on loading and unloading. However, there can be different methods here. For example, it may be a simple case of opening the rear doors or may be side loading/unloading. It is crucial to look at how much space will be necessary, particularly for forklifts and other equipment that may need to move around the side and rear of the lorries. You may need traffic control measures to protect the space.

Reversing

Another wise thing to look at is reversing. Lorries naturally have a harder time with it than smaller cars and vans because of the size, visibility, and reduction in mobility. Where possible it is a really good idea to avoid requiring a lorry to reverse. A good option is to organise routes so a vehicle drives in, completes the activity, and then exits without any reversing to change direction.

If it is impossible to avoid reversing, it is wise to invest in systems to make it as safe as possible. This could include simple products like mirrors to improve visibility for drivers. It could also be wheel stops or barriers to help guide vehicles into spaces. You can even have things like light systems to show when routes are occupied or available.

Speak to us about traffic control

Barrier Mart provides a number of fantastic products that can work to control different kinds of traffic, including lorries. For example, we have barriers, speed bumps, wheel stops, and bollards. You can use whichever you need, including integrating them into a site traffic plan.

So, if you need any products, browse our website or contact us. We'd be happy to advise if you are unsure of anything.