Traffic engineer

Traffic engineers plan and design transport improvements including junctions, parking, traffic control systems and public transport systems. The work also involves visiting sites and supervising work.

Also known as:

• Highway engineer
• Road traffic engineer
• Transport/traffic engineer

Work activities

Traffic engineers (often known as highway engineers) aim to maximise road safety, minimise traffic congestion and meet environmental and community demands. They do this by planning and designing roads, junctions, roundabouts, traffic signals, traffic control systems, parking policies, pedestrianisation and public transport schemes. They may improve a road system because of a high number of accidents in a particular place, because of an increase in traffic, or to improve conditions for cyclists and pedestrians, for example.

Studies are carried out to find the cause of such problems, which help the traffic engineer to find possible solutions. They look at plans and consider their costs and environmental effects. Traffic engineers may work with the public when considering new road and transport systems. Other duties include visiting sites, supervising work, having meetings with clients, writing reports and making calculations. On sites, traffic engineers might have to wear protective clothing.

Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales.

Personal qualities and skills

As a traffic engineer, you’ll need:

• To be able to analyse and solve problems.
• Good IT skills and some experience of using computer aided design (CAD) software.
• A clear and concise writing style as report writing is a key aspect of the job.
• Good communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide variety of people.
• An interest in the environment.
• The ability to understand and interpret technical drawings and diagrams.
• Knowledge of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs).

Pay and opportunities

Salaries vary depending on the organisation, role and level of responsibility. Traffic engineers start on around £30,000 per year, rising to up to £70,000 with experience.

You can expect to work 40-42 hours per week, including early starts, late finishes and some weekends.

Most traffic engineers work for local authorities. Other employers are the Department for Transport, construction companies and environmental organisations. Some work for firms of transportation or highway planning consultants that are contracted to advise local authorities, transport executives, central government and research organisations. Opportunities for traffic engineers occur with employers in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Self-employment opportunities occur for traffic engineers to work as self-employed independent consultants.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

A common way to become a traffic engineer is to do an accredited Master of Engineering (MEng) degree or Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) honours degree in civil engineering, or a related subject. Courses in transport planning will also be useful. Other accredited engineering degrees, HNDs or HNCs lead to Incorporated Engineer status. The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) can provide lists of accredited courses.

An alternative to the traditional university route is a degree apprenticeship. This level 6 programme results in a BEng degree. A level 3 (advanced) civil engineering technician apprenticeship is also available. This could lead to further study to qualify as a civil engineer later on.

Foundation degrees in civil engineering are available at various universities and colleges of higher education throughout the UK. These can lead on to relevant degree courses. Some people enter this career straight from school at technician level.

After getting a degree, HND or HNC, you must have a period of approved training and experience with an employer to become fully qualified.

Experienced engineers can progress to chief engineer positions. Local authorities have a structured set of promotion routes.

Qualifications

To enter a degree course in civil engineering, you will usually need:

• Two to three A-levels, including maths, physics or engineering science.
• GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
• A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English, maths and a science subject.

Other qualifications are often acceptable as alternatives to A levels, for example:

• Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualifications.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

However, entry requirements for different courses vary, so check university prospectuses for more details.

To get onto a degree apprenticeship, you will usually need at least two relevant A-levels. Some universities offer foundation courses for applicants without the appropriate maths and science qualifications:

• HNC
• HND
• Foundation degree
• One A-level; preferred subjects include maths, physics and engineering science.
• A GCSE at grades 9-4 in your A-level subject.
• A further three to four GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English, maths and a science subject.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

People without relevant qualifications or skills gained in the construction industry or as an engineering technician, will find it difficult to gain employment. Applicants at engineering technician level have a good chance of advancement.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (e.g. Access to Engineering) could be the way in. These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

People without the usual academic qualifications can achieve membership of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) via the Technical Report Route (TRR). See the ICE website for guidance on entry requirements. Numerous institutions offer relevant postgraduate courses via distance learning.

Sponsorship for study at higher education level may be available through the larger building/construction companies.

Related careers

• Civil engineer
• Engineer
• Environmental conservation officer
• Structural engineer