If you’re organising an event, you are probably very caught up in making sure the event is a success. Have you booked the right entertainment, for example? Have you marketed it correctly?
One of the last things on your mind is probably event traffic management. However, this is a big mistake. The last thing you want your event to be remembered for is traffic jams, accidents, or a deadly crowd surge.
Aside from the legal obligations around it, event traffic management is also a moral obligation. You are creating an event and it’s your responsibility to make sure everyone returns home safely at the end of the night. Here is a basic checklist to help ensure this happens.
Yes, you know where your event is. However, some people may be new to the area. Put signs up along the main routes that will clearly direct them to where they need to go.
Traffic needs to move safely and smoothly from the main roads to where your event is being held—preferably without causing tailbacks. The traffic also needs to get to park safely without coming into contact with pedestrians.
Channelize the entrance road if possible, to separate traffic moving in different directions. Make sure all directions are clearly marked and well thought out. Have signs with clear instructions and members of staff there to help where needed. Use barriers for cars to follow and erect fencing to keep pedestrian areas safe. Ensure you definitely have enough parking spaces for everyone in attendance.
Never assume people will park sensibly or with courtesy – they may not. Marked-out parking spaces will stop any nasty parking rows from breaking out and will also ensure you can fit everyone in.
If your parking area is a field, don’t rely on painted markings. If it rains and the parking area becomes awash with mud and tyre tracks, your markings will be invisible in no time! Use cones or flags instead.
If your event is happening at night or indoors, ensure there is adequate lighting at all times. Darkness can cause accidents, injuries and panic. It can also make emergency evacuation almost impossible.
Event staff should all be given the correct PPE. If you have people directing traffic then they need to be in relevant hi-vis clothing
Are the roads in the area built for heavy traffic? If not, how can you use event traffic management to filter this traffic? Can there be more than one entrance to your event to prevent congestion, for example? Do you need to block the route to outside traffic, eliminating some of the traffic flow?
Use your website and social media to share as much travel and parking information as possible. Upload maps on how to get to your event and of the parking area. Highlight any areas that may cause a problem.
Traffic doesn’t only have wheels. Large amounts of people moving around in close proximity need to be carefully planned for. Check that there are no areas that could cause a bottleneck and that you have eliminated any potential chances of being crushed. If your audience panics and surges forward to escape, how will you use event traffic management to reduce the danger this could pose?
If you’re organising an event and you’re looking for event traffic management solutions then please get in touch. We can help with all your traffic management needs.
