2025 TRAFFIC CONTROLLER SAFETY SURVEY LAUNCH
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the Hon. Emily Burke MLC, joined the Traffic Management Association of Australia (TMAA) and New Zealand’s Temporary Traffic Management – Industry Steering Group (TTM-ISG) to launch the 2025 Traffic Controller Safety Survey — the most comprehensive snapshot yet of safety conditions for traffic controllers across Australia and New Zealand.
The official launch took place at Seymour Whyte’s Grange Road, Holbrooks Road and East Avenue Intersection Upgrade in Adelaide. Drawing on feedback from more than 1,600 traffic controllers, the survey offers valuable insights into the daily experiences and risks faced by those working in and around live traffic environments.
While many participants reported feeling relatively safe on site, the findings reveal persistent safety challenges across the industry:
The average safety perception rating in Australia has decreased slightly, from 7.1 to 7.0.
62% of controllers say vehicles fail to stop at least once per week.
60% experience verbal abuse weekly.
1 in 10 have endured physical assault while on duty.
Sam Loprete, Traffic Controller at Altus Traffic SA and TMAA’s National Traffic Controller of the Year 2024
At the launch event, Sam Loprete, Traffic Controller at Altus Traffic SA and TMAA’s National Traffic Controller of the Year 2024, shared his experiences in the field and reflected on the industry’s ongoing evolution.
“Over the past eight years, we’ve seen advancements in technology — innovations like PTS, portable booms, and TMAs have transformed how we protect our people by keeping them out of harm’s way,” Sam said.
Sam also highlighted the role of Altus’ own innovative Workzone Digitisation solution, which alerts roadworkers in real time to site breaches or vehicle incursions. “Those extra seconds can be life-saving,” he explained. “Technology like this gives crews the chance to react quickly and avoid danger.”
He went on to commend the growing emphasis on training and consistency across the traffic control industry: “The better trained our people are, the better decisions they make in high-risk environments. With improved consistency in temporary traffic management practices, we can help influence driver behaviour and create safer outcomes for everyone — roadworkers and motorists alike.”
The 2025 Traffic Controller Safety Survey highlights the importance of continued collaboration, innovation and training in making Australia and New Zealand’s roadworks safer for all.
Download a copy of the 2025 Traffic Controller Safety Survey here.
