At our last Unit Training evening a Traffic Control exercise was undertaken, with the road reduced from 2 lanes to 1 lane (known as a 'shunt') and traffic managed by staff at either end.

This exercise gave the less experienced in our Unit the chance to do some for-real traffic control in a low-stress, educational environment. Light traffic conditions (as well as the rain holding off) made the entire evolution relatively pain-free, and overall the training was quite constructive.

The ability to safely manage traffic around an incident scene is key for Fire Police and the Hutt Valley Fire Police regularly drill these skills to ensure that we can provide the best experience possible for both emergency service crews and motorists, as required at the scene of a fire or other emergency.

Rimutaka 4926 with Lighting Plant provided a 'Scene to Protect'. On training nights - especially where equipment has not been run up for a while - it's good to break out the gear and ensure it still works. This ensures it's readiness in the event of a callout and allows us to quickly identify where remedial maintenance is required.

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A member of HVFP guides traffic through one end of the Traffic Shunt in the first image. Also above, a wider shot of 4926 with lighting plant fitted, acting as an end-point warning beacon and also lighting up our 'scene'.
Images courtesy FP Mark Foster.