Traffic controllers: the hosts and hostesses on the dike

Work on the dike between Gorinchem-Waardenburg is affecting traffic. Up to the traffic controllers of Techno Traffic Control to keep everything on track.

"The profession of traffic controller is still too often underestimated," said François Moelands, general manager of Techno Traffic Control. "You have to stand firm as a traffic controller. In all weathers, you stand on the dike. You have friendly road users but certainly also angry ones. And, not entirely unimportantly, you have the responsibility to regulate traffic properly and so you have to have eyes and ears for what is happening around you." With this, François immediately names a number of qualities that a good traffic controller must meet. "Add to this flexibility in working hours, collegiality and above all passion for the profession, then you have the 'ideal' traffic controller."

Quality first

Techno Traffic Control stands by its people. "Our slogan 'quality in traffic safety' is the basis for everything we do," explains Aert Huijben, general manager. "We work on large and small infrastructure projects, at events and on construction sites. At the moment we have about 120 traffic controllers permanently employed. They hold VCA, GPI and their national appointment card. In addition, they always have access to the proper protective equipment."

Host and hostess

The dike between Gorinchem and Waardenburg is a stretch where there is a lot of traffic, especially at Gorinchem it is busy. Besides the through traffic consisting of motorists, public transport and cyclists, the traffic controllers have the task of guiding work traffic. They are also hosts to local residents. "They are always aware of the current work and can inform residents about it if there are any questions," says Dr. K. K., who is also a member of the team. 

Linking navigation system

Although the traffic control profession is fairly traditional, innovation is also around the corner. "In 2018, we have
built our own scheduling system. Besides always calling the traffic controllers personally in advance about the work, they receive the assignments in an app. In this app, they can also sign in and out and declare hours. This way we arrange the administration quickly and easily. In 2022 we want to link the app to navigation systems so that you as a motorist will receive a notification on the road that there are traffic controllers."

Eye for sustainability and 

At Techno Traffic Control, a lot of attention is paid to sustainability. First, they ensure sustainable employability of people. "Our people are our capital," François said. "We take good care of that. Not only do we provide good clothing and resources, we also pay a lot of attention to the person behind the traffic controller and we like to give seniors and people with a distance to the labor market the chance to work for us. And we attach great importance to safety. At the moment we are climbing Safety Ladder 2, our ambition is to work towards Step 3."