Traffic officers are hailed as heroic professionals because of the skills they have that bring order on the roads. Reports have indicated that there is a critical shortage of traffic officers in the road safety industry. Traffic departments and agencies are severely understaffed which creates a significant problem as road casualties are in the limelight.

Traffic officers have to monitor the behaviour of road users. They need to be on the alert for intoxicated, reckless or negligent road users and ensure motorists have valid permits and documentation. Road agencies are in desperate need for trained professionals to deal with the issues that exist on our roads.  

Road carnage costs South Africa’s economy billions each year, all of which can be reduced with focused educational efforts.

Hard-hitting road traffic statistics over the years:

According to RTMC, about 14 000 people die annually on South African roads and many more are seriously injured.

What’s more, News24’s road crash statistics during the festive period for 2016/ 2017 revealed that 1 714 people died on the roads. The causes of these deaths are mainly due to the influence of alcohol, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signs.

What are the profits of a career as a traffic officer? 

A qualification in the traffic policing field affords you various opportunities for growth in the industry. This is a career that offers stability and benefits such as a good salary package with bonuses and retirement payouts. According to PayScale, a police officer earns an average salary of R169 466 per year. If you’re a police sergeant, the average salary can be as high as R193 945 per year. As a traffic manager, you would earn an average salary of R221 778 per year.

The job has flexible working hours where you can work 4 days in the week and have days off. This allows you time to enjoy family life and other activities.

What are the requirements to become a traffic officer?

You will need a South African citizenship, Grade 12 or equivalent, no criminal record, Code B driver’s license (manual transmission) and a medical certificate with a clean bill of health.

However, with proper traffic police training and certification, you will be equipped with the skills needed in the industry and have access to more opportunities.

Who will hire you?

You can work for the government, municipality or any government agency such as the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Cross Border Transport Agency or other national road and transport agencies.

This is a career that allows you to positively impact the safety of people on the roads and in the community. As a traffic officer, you can expect to become a reputable civil servant, dedicated to maintaining the safety of citizens on the roads.

You get to save lives 

Road safety officers are effective in helping to reduce the number of accidents and deaths that take place on the roads. They are on high alert during the holiday periods where lots of people are travelling to assist in regulating appropriate road procedures.

According to the Easter long-weekend road crash statistics in April 2017, more than 235 people lost their lives. This is the reason why traffic officers are necessary as they prevent uncalled-for loss of lives. 

The statistics further unveiled that during this time: 

1 738 motorists were caught speeding

354 vehicles were found overloaded

843 people were found without a driver's license

346 people were found without a public driver’s permit

You play a role in ensuring safety to citizens 

As a traffic officer, you have to be familiar with road signs and be able to comprehend the rules of the road. This will ensure that you direct the flow of traffic and enforce regulations effectively.  

To do well in this occupation, you must be able to handle the pressure and the demands of being a commander on the road. You should be able to work with people, direct road users, listen and make smart decisions. You should possess good observation skills and be able to solve complex issues on the road when they arise.  

Being able to instruct road users and create order 

As a traffic officer, you need to be up to speed with the laws that road users are required to comply with and ensure that they are practiced. You will have to use logic and reasoning to make quick decisions that won’t risk the lives of people.  

It is also expected of you to monitor the behaviour of drivers, check licenses and registrations. This includes being able to detect motorists who are intoxicated to help avoid accidents from occurring. Your overall responsibility is to make the experience of all road users a pleasant one.

Career paths you can follow with a traffic policing qualification: 

Metropolitan Police Officer

Provincial Traffic Inspector

Traffic/Police Officer

Municipal Law Enforcement Officer

Why study with Lyceum? 

Lyceum Correspondence College affords you an opportunity to study a Diploma in Metropolitan and Traffic Policing. The programme covers crucial elements in this field such as General Management for Law Enforcement, Business Communication for Law Enforcement and Metropolitan Science.

Lyceum’s programme in traffic policing is structured to equip graduates with relevant skills and knowledge that people in this industry need. The programme is uniquely structured to meet the growing demands placed on traffic and police departments.

A successful alumnus testimonial 

“With my Lyceum diploma, I stand a better chance to be promoted. Thank you, Lyceum. I am honoured to be a part of your legacy.”

— Mandla Comfort Nyathi, Diploma in Metropolitan and Traffic Policing graduate, currently employed in policing.

When you complete your diploma, you will become a qualified traffic officer and enjoy diverse opportunities with many professional and personal benefits.

Contact Lyceum to start your legacy:

Tel: +27 86 010 0705

Email: info.lyceum@icg.edu.za