Traffic Officer enforces the rules of the road and signs. They ensure that all road users including pedestrians use our roads in an orderly and safe manner. The main purpose of the Traffic Officer is to ensure the safe and free flow of traffic to prevent road crashes and deaths on our roads.
Traffic officer training is an accredited qualification for traffic officers permanently employed by provincial or local authorities. The traffic officer will be awarded a Further Education and Training (FET) Certificate: Road Traffic Law Enforcement once the programme is completed.
Where To Obtain Traffic Officer Training In South Africa?
Once you are employed as a Traffic Officer/ Traffic Trainee you will be sent to one of the 14 Traffic Colleges approved by the Minister of Transport. Only the following Traffic Colleges and Metro Police Academies may currently train Traffic Officers in South Africa.
Below is the list of Traffic Officer Training Schools in South Africa
Lyceum College Diploma in Metropolitan and Traffic Policing
Nelson Mandela Bay Traffic Training College
Limpopo Traffic Training College – Polokwane – Limpopo – (015) 967 0467
Boekenhoutkloof Traffic Training College – Pretoria – Gauteng – (012) 372 8000
KZN Traffic Training College – Pietermaritzburg – KZN – (033) 394 0202
Lengau Traffic Training College – Bloemfontein – Free State – (051) 409 0444
Mangaung Traffic Training College – Bloemfontein – Free State – (051) 412 8100
Gene Louw Traffic Training College – Cape Town – Western Cape – (021) 983 1501
Durban Metro Police Department Academy – Durban – KZN – (031) 701 0462
Johannesburg Metro Police Department Academy – Johannesburg – Gauteng – (011) 429 5010
Tshwane Metro Police Department Academy – Pretoria – Gauteng – (012) 358 0005
Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department Academy – Springs – Gauteng – (011) 812 8700
Port Elizabeth Traffic Training College – Port Elizabeth – Eastern Cape – (041) 390 4501
Matjhabeng Traffic Training College – Welkom – Free State – (051) 876 2224
Cape Town Metro Police Department Academy – Cape Town – Western Cape – (021) 447 2366
Mpumalanga Traffic Training College – Hazyview – Mpumalanga – 013 766 7292
How do I become a traffic officer in South Africa?
You will need a matric and to be deemed medically fit.
- Complete your matric. Pass your driver’s tests (have a driver’s license – manual transmission) .
- Apply for training at a Traffic College.
- Certificate in Road Traffic Law Enforcement NQF Level 4.
- Diploma in Traffic Policing.
- Tshwane University of Technology.
What requirements are needed to become a traffic officer?
The minimum requirements to become a Traffic Officer are: No criminal record. Code B driving License (manual transmission) Medical Certificate that a person may do strenuous exercises. Applicants shall not be older than 35 years of age.
How much do South African traffic officers earn?
According to PayScale a police officer earns an average salary of R157, 951 per year. If you’re a police sergeant the average salary can be as high as R180, 481 per year. As a Traffic Manager, you would earn an average salary of R236, 792 per year.
Why do I want to be a traffic officer?
They ensure that all road users including pedestrians use our roads in an orderly and safe manner. The main purpose of Traffic Officer’s is to ensure the safe and free flow of traffic to prevent road crashes and deaths on our roads.
What are the duties of a traffic officer?
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 to study to become a traffic officer?
To be hired as a traffic cop, interested candidates must apply to the police department. Candidates need to have high school diplomas or the equivalent; they also need to be at least 21 years old and be U.S. citizens. A history of lawful behavior is mandatory, along with good financial and driving records.
Provincial Traffic Officers and Municipal Traffic Officers
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.
The Nature Of Traffic Officer Job?
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 Tool/Instrument Do Traffic Officers Use?
Speed-measuring apparatus, alcohol test apparatus, measuring tapes, mass-measuring apparatus, summons books, infringement notices etc.
Some Advantages And Challenges Of Being A Traffic Officer?
- 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.
Traffic Officer Job Vacancies In South Africa
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.
What Are The Minimum Requirements To Become A Traffic Officer?
- South African Citizenship
- Grade 12 or equivalent
- No criminal record
- Code B driving Licence (manual transmission)
- Medical Certificate –that a person may do strenuous exercises.
- Applicants shall not be older than 35 years of age
Difference Between Metro Police And Traffic Officer
Metro Police Officers are trained as Traffic Officers and on certain functions of Police Officers. Before you can become a Metro Police Officer you must be trained and registered as a Traffic Officer. In addition to all their duties as Traffic Officers; Metro Police Officers also focus on crime prevention and the enforcement of Municipal by-laws.
Other Ways To Become A Traffic Officer
You can study Traffic Management related courses at various FET Colleges or Universities. These courses should give you an advantage when Authorities advertise Traffic Officers post.