Introduction

The Durban Traffic Management Branch’s primary function is to facilitate the free flow of traffic on roads in the Durban metropolitan area through the efficient use of traffic management measures, such as traffic signals and an Area Traffic Control System.

The computerised nature of this function necessitated the establishment of computer system and support staff who have evolved to current situation where they also administer the computing requirements for the entire City Engineer’s Unit.

This branch, is where one of the most advanced Area Traffic Control (ATC) computerised systems, in the country, is housed. Here specially trained traffic control operators are able to keep a watchful eye on every intersection in the CBD with the help of approximately thirty cameras situated around the city centre.

These operators can home in on any intersection, determine whether there is a traffic build up and make minor adjustment to the computer to adjust the timing of the traffic lights, thus ensuring the free flow of traffic through the City Centre.