An event traffic control plan can help address multiple issues that might arise during an event,  such as congestion, confusion over parking, or unsafe pedestrian movement. Properly implemented, it can ensure that traffic flows smoothly, attendees remain safe, and everyone has a positive experience. Follow these steps to develop an appropriate and comprehensive plan. 

Event Traffic Control Basics

What do I need to know about event traffic control?

A traffic control plan is a detailed plan that outlines how an event may affect local traffic, what control measures you will use to manage event traffic, and any support you need from outside parties. When properly designed and implemented, it ensures the safety of event attendees, drivers, and pedestrians. 

Components of a Traffic Control Plan

Many municipalities require traffic control plans for any events that will affect traffic. Depending on your location, the exact required components may vary. However, every plan should cover the following information:

  • Foot traffic: Plan for safe, restricted areas for pedestrians to travel without worrying about vehicles. 
  • Parking: A comprehensive plan includes information about designated parking and overflow areas. These should minimize disruptions to traffic and prevent congestion in parking areas. 
  • Vehicle traffic flow: Provide clear information about how vehicle traffic will enter, exit, and travel throughout the event area. This portion of the plan should consider any signs, cones, and barriers needed to maintain safe and efficient event traffic control. 

No matter what other components your event traffic control plan includes, you must make accommodations for emergency vehicles. This may include having designated entry and exit points and clearly marked emergency lanes and parking areas. 

Steps for Creating an Event Traffic Control Plan

Developing a comprehensive traffic control plan involves identifying event requirements, determining where controls are necessary, and understanding which types of controls are effective in those situations. It is a multi-step process that requires careful consideration. 

Assess the Event Needs

Every event is different, and what works to control traffic at one might not work for another. That is why every event should have a customized event traffic control plan that considers factors such as:

  • Event time and duration: The time of your event can have a significant impact on traffic requirements. Peak travel times in the area can create congestion that you must plan for. Long events will require enough space for extended parking that does not interfere with area businesses, homes, or traffic.  
  • Number of attendees: The number of anticipated attendees will affect the degree of traffic control necessary. Smaller events generally require less involved plans than large ones. 
  • Physical size of event space: Your plan should consider the event space and its accompanying parking areas to ensure you have appropriate signage, cones, barricades, and personnel to control event traffic. 

Location-specific requirements may also come into play. For example, a rural event may have very different event traffic control needs compared to one in a densely populated urban area. Additionally, the number of access points, available transit options, and general parking facilities can all affect how your traffic control plan develops.

Establish Traffic Control Points

How does event traffic control help keep people safe?

Once you establish the event’s needs, you must identify areas that require traffic control. The major concerns will revolve around vehicle movement in and around the parking areas. Typical traffic control points include:

  • Access points: Entrances and exits can require several layers of planned traffic control measures. Signage and pavement markings provide direction for drivers, while cones and barrels are physical barriers to mark vehicle traffic areas. Event gates and other types of barricades help limit access to parking or restricted areas.
  • Drop-off and loading zones: Having a drop-off area for event attendees who take a taxi or rideshare ride helps reduce congestion near the entrance. It can also reduce the number of pedestrians walking through the traffic lanes. Mark them with signs and cones for high visibility. 
  • Parking areas: The parking areas will likely take the largest amount of planning. Pavement markings, directional signage, and barriers keep vehicles moving in the correct directions and using approved parking spaces.  

Efforts should be made to separate pedestrians and vehicles when possible to improve safety. Bollards are an excellent solution for this task. Delta Scientific’s crash-rated portable bollards provide a secure barrier that can withstand a vehicle impact at up to 50 miles per hour. 

Choose Proper Controls

Once you have established event needs, you can choose the proper tools to manage traffic and parking. This will likely include personnel to direct traffic and operate security gates, high-visibility signs, and physical barriers. Depending on the security level of your event, you may need to include extra measures such as guard booths, traffic teeth, and wedge barricades. Our portable barriers are set up in minutes and provide ASTM M30/P3-rated crash protection. 

Tools For Effective Event Traffic Control

Our team at Delta Scientific can help you create a comprehensive event traffic control plan for entertainment, political, and business events. Contact us to learn how our vehicle access control equipment fits into your plan.