TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

The traffic management systems of South Africa cities vary, depending on the category of the road, the volume of vehicles, and several other factors. The following types of traffic management systems have been observed in the study area:

Intersections with no control - there are some junctions in the city that have no traffic control or management system, such as signalling of any sort. However, this system is limited to only minor junctions and is scarcely used inside the city.

Intersections with a stop control on the minor road crossing a major road – this system is used to access a major road from a minor road. The vehicle must stop before entering or crossing the major road.

Intersections with a yield control on the minor roads – this system is used to access a major road from a minor road. The vehicle must yield (give way) to traffic on the major road before entering or crossing the major road.

Intersections with traffic signal controls – the signal will control the traffic in a way that the one direction will stop while the other direction is allowed to drive. Different phases can be implemented to control directional flow for the traffic. The majority of the junctions, particularly in the inner parts of the city, are signalised either by isolated or synchronous signalling systems. Major junctions are also provided with right-turn signals and pedestrian facilities.

Intersections with all-way stop – this controls the traffic by means of requiring all vehicles to stop at the intersection. The driver that stops first departs first. Some of the junctions of the study area are provided with this system.

Roundabouts – this is a circular intersection with a median situated in the middle. It works on a yield function and is not used for high traffic volumes. In Bloemfontein city, there are several such junctions, particularly at the entrance to suburban areas. Road pavement marking - all the pavements of roads in the city are properly marked,

according to rules and regulations provided by the South African National Road Agency Limited (SANRAL) G2 manual.

Signage - The roads of the city are provided with proper signage systems, according to the requirements; this refers to speed control, directional flow, yielding, stopping, etc.

Speed traps – these are situated at random points within the city; they may be fixed cameras or stationed radars.

Parking systems: Both on-street and off-street parking systems are found in the city. Such parking may be paid or free parking in the different parking areas. On- street parking is a problem when the road width is insufficient.

Some examples highlighting the traffic management system in the study area follow.

3.9.1 Example 1 - De Bruyn Street & Wynand Mouton Drive

Example 1 is the three-legged intersection joining Wynand Mouton Drive (with high traffic volume) and De Bruyn Street (with moderate traffic flow) which is controlled by an automated traffic signaling control system (Traffic Volume Survey, 2011). This system works on a system whereby one direction will have right of way to drive while the other direction must stop. Figure 3-14 is an aerial view of the intersection, and Figure 3-15 is an example of how the system works with respect to relevant traffic signals. De Bruyn Street comprises two parallel roads intersecting Wynand Mouton Drive, with a median splitting the directional flow. Wynand Mouton Drive has no median with traffic in both directions.

Figure 3-15: De Bruyn Street & Wynand Mouton Drive (Street view) (Google Maps, 2012)

3.9.2 Example 2 - Van Schalkwyk Street and Haldon Road

The intersection of Van Schalkwyk Street and Haldon Road is controlled without any traffic control system (without an automated control sistem). Haldon Road has high traffic volume and has multiple lanes with a median whereas Van Schalkwyk Street is a one-way, two-lane system having moderate traffic volume, mainly for people commuting to Jim Fouché Primary and High Schools. The traffic control system at the intersection works on a combined mechanism, together with the Haldon Road traffic system to the right while Van Schalkwyk Street is controlled by a stop sign, as indicated in Figure 3-16 and Figure 3-17. Both road sections have a median which splits the directional traffic.

Figure 3-17: Van Schalkwyk Street & Haldon Road (Street view) (Google Maps, 2012)

3.9.3 Example 3 - Paul Kruger Avenue Roundabout

Example 3 is a roundabout located at the entrance to the residential area of Universitas and, in the main, carries commuters to and from the University of the Free State. During the morning peak hours, the traffic volume is high. During the afternoon peak time, one can observe a higher number of vehicles, as most of vehicles from the local suburbs/ neighborhoods ply this intersection. The general traffic rule according to the national traffic rules, that the driver must give right of way to the vehicle approaching from the right-hand side, is observed in this intersection. This traffic control system of the intersection can be observed in Figure 3-18 and Figure 3-19. Vehicles enter from all directions with a median to split the directional traffic.

Figure 3-19: Paul Kruger Avenue Roundabout (Street view) (Google Maps, 2012)