Traffic control is an essential component of any construction site which is affecting the surrounding road network, as it’s the only way to ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and the crew members on the construction site as well. As such, researching which traffic control service to hire is an important part of the planning process, and something which should be taken seriously.
Construction companies looking to hire a traffic control service should ask the following 10 questions before making their decision. By doing so, they can be sure they’re hiring a qualified, reputable company like BBC Traffic Management Melbourne – one that will meet the specific needs of their construction project.
- What are your qualifications and experience?
This is an obvious place to start. Unfortunately, there are many companies out there that find ways to get around the formal certifications and still refer to themselves as “traffic control companies”, so it’s important to know what qualifications they’ve attained and how much industry experience the business has.
- What type of training do your employees receive?
When it comes to traffic management and control, there are many ways to skin a cat in regards to the training that employees undergo. Be sure to ask what training the staff have been through.
- Do you have insurance?
Insurance is a crucial aspect of managing traffic, both for the traffic control company and for the firm/individual who has hired them for the job. Ask to see paperwork that shows they are fully insured.
- What type of equipment do you use?
The type of equipment is an important indicator of how seriously they take their work, although in all fairness, the condition of the equipment is a more accurate indication of whether you’re dealing with professionals or a mediocre outfit. Ask to see pictures!
- How will you set up the traffic control around my construction project?
You might not be the traffic control expert, but it still makes sense for you to know the basic outline of how this company intends to go about managing congestion and minimising road hazards surrounding your construction site.
- What are the hours of operation for your traffic control services?
If construction is going to be taking place at all hours of the day/night, you’ll need your chosen traffic control company to be on-site at these times, so be sure to ask this question before the paperwork is signed!
- How much notice do you need to set up traffic control around my construction project?
This one isn’t necessarily a “make or break” question for choosing a traffic control company, but it definitely helps both parties gain a clearer understanding of what’s expected and what’s realistically doable.
- How much will your services cost?
Of course this question has its spot on the list. This is often the first question that construction companies will ask, but it’s not necessarily more important than any of the other questions listed here when you consider the big picture.
- Are your services available 24/7?
An alternative to the “hours of service” question, this one might be more appropriate if you’re a construction firm that means business – perhaps you’re building a shopping mall or some other kind of high-profile project that requires constant round-the-clock construction (and consequently, round-the-clock traffic control).
- Do you have any references I can contact?
And finally, many traffic management companies claim to have carried out thousands of successful jobs for countless roadside projects all over the country, but how can you know this for sure until you’ve spoken to a few of their previous clients?
These questions will help you find the right traffic control company for your needs
By asking these 10 questions, construction company owners can be confident they’re hiring a qualified, reputable traffic control service that will meet the specific needs of their construction project and maintain a high level of safety throughout the duration of the partnership. Good luck and stay safe!
