The objective of a traffic officer is to ensure the safe and free flow of traffic on public roads, as well as law enforcement, education and assistance. The traffic officer performs duties within the municipal boundaries.
Traffic officers test prospective drivers for licences and inspect vehicles for roadworthiness. They control traffic and ensure effective traffic flow and enforce laws and regulations pertaining to road traffic. Sometimes they provide evidence in traffic court cases.
In some provinces the duties of the traffic officer and the provincial inspector are combined. In others, a distinction is made between the traffic officer and the provincial inspector. Traffic officers control traffic and patrol roads and highways. Provincial inspectors protect the public from malpractice, particularly in commerce and ensure that trading hours are adhered to.
Satisfying Aspects
- working with people and helping them obey traffic laws
- helping reduce motor accidents and thus saving lives
- not being desk bound
Demanding aspects
- working with obstinate people
- having to work during holidays and weekends
- prosecuting people for minor offences
Requirements
A traffic officer should:
- have a friendly and sympathetic approach to people experiencing difficulties;
- be ready to assist where necessary;
- maintain sound judgement;
- have a reasonable knowledge of human nature;
- be firm and decisive when required;
- be physically fit and have stamina;
- present a neat appearance;
- be well-spoken.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: None
Training
Traffic Colleges: Diploma course as determined by the National Transport Department - Pretoria, Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Pietermaritzburg.
Prospective traffic officers undergo intensive training for five and a half months, which consists of forty modules. Courses consist of theoretical as well as practical components. Only persons who are already in service of local and provincial authorities can be trained as traffic officers.
If municipal traffic officers wish to be considered for promotion, they must be in possession of a Final Diploma of the Institute of Traffic Officers of Southern Africa. This diploma may be obtained within three years. A well-known correspondence college presents this course which makes it convenient for the officer to study at home. This course and examination are under the protection of the Institute.
UP, in conjunction with the Lyceum Correspondence College, offers a diploma course with Personnel Management and Traffic Control as major subjects. Persons who have completed the diploma course, receive credits to obtain the BAdmin degree which is recommended for those interested in managerial posts.
Employer
- Municipalities
- Provincial governments
Contact
National Transport Department:
Traffic colleges in Pretoria, Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Pietermaritzburg
Institute of Traffic and Municipal Police Officers of Southern Africa
Private Bag X1258
Potchefstroom, 2520
Telefax: (018) 297-6388
www.itmpo.org.za