Traffic Officer’s or Traffic Cop (s) enforce the rules of the road and signs. They focus almost exclusively on maintaining traffic safety and efficiency on the roads. They ensure that all road users including pedestrians use our roads in an orderly and safe manner.
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Traffic officers are sworn-in police, but they focus almost exclusively on maintaining traffic safety and efficiency on the roads. This is the focus of their duties, which can include directing traffic, managing accidents, administering federal traffic money, and educating the public on laws and safety guidelines.
WHAT DOES ONE DO IN THIS CAREER?
A distinction is made between Provincial Traffic Officers and Municipal Traffic Officers. Provincial Traffic Officers perform their duties within the boundaries of Provinces and Municipal Traffic Officers perform their duties within the boundaries of Municipalities. Provincial Traffic Officers are also known as Provincial Inspectors. They enforce compliance of the National Road Traffic Act, National Land Transport Act and Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act. They control traffic, inspect vehicles for roadworthiness and enforce road traffic signs and rules of the road.
WHAT WILL THE WORKPLACE BE LIKE?
Provincial Inspectors and Traffic Officers spent most of their working hours outdoors on the roads. A small portion of their time is spent in courtrooms and offices doing administrative duties. They do their patrol duties mainly in motorcars and some on motorcycles and on foot.
WHAT INSTRUMENTS, TOOLS OR MATERIALS WILL ONE WORK WITH?
Speed-measuring apparatus, alcohol test apparatus, measuring tapes, mass-measuring apparatus, summons books, infringement notices etc.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DRAWBACKS OF THIS CAREER?
- Advantages: Working with people and helping them to obey traffic rules, assisting to reduce the number of road crashes and thus saving lives.
- Drawbacks: Be able to work with people with various personalities, having to work during holidays and weekends. Performing duties in all weather conditions.
HOW DO I BECOME A TRAFFIC OFFICER?
You first need to be employed by Provincial Government, Municipality or Government Agency such as the Road Traffic Management Corporation or Cross Border Road Transport Agency. Vacant posts are advertised by these Authorities in the Open Media.
You therefore need to check your local and national newspapers on a regular basis. You may also contact any Local or Provincial Authority directly to enquire whether vacancies exist and when posts will be advertised.