Train your own traffic managers

If you run an event that needs traffic management you can avoid the expense of paying a traffic management company by sending local volunteers on a training course.

In the past the police used to take responsibility for managing traffic at events such as street fairs, sporting events etc. , but it seems that is another service that is no longer on offer.  Now the police will only turn up if an event is of 'national importance or are a potential risk to public safety'.

The course is run by a private training company (details below) and is aimed at event organisers or individuals that have responsibility for traffic management or organised events working in conjunction with the Highways Authority or others.  It is aimed at event stewards whose duties might include guiding vehicles, maintaining emergency routes, erecting signs and notices and dealing with pedestrian control.  It is not aimed at traffic marshals, who are appointed and accredited by the Police to deal with more complex traffic management at major events.

The course is classroom based, and participants have to pass a test at the end.  This does not seem too tough however since the pass rate is 70 percent.

Further details are available from  Palmer Training of Bramford, Ipswich. Telephone 01473 834969. e mail: info@palmertrainingacademy.co.uk