Definition

Noun: - The control of traffic by a police officer stationed at an intersection: This term specifically refers to the duty of a police officer who directs vehicular and pedestrian traffic from a fixed point, typically a road junction or crossing.

Usage

• This is a formal or official term, primarily used in British and Commonwealth English contexts related to law enforcement and traffic management.
• It describes a specific assignment or post for a police officer.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The constable was assigned to point duty at the busy crossroads during the rush hour.
  • Effective point duty is essential for managing traffic flow when the traffic lights fail.

Advanced Usage

• The term can imply a temporary or special assignment, often during events, emergencies, or system failures (like broken traffic signals).
• It can be used metaphorically to describe any role involving direct, on-the-spot control or supervision in a chaotic situation.
  • During the festival, the security team was on point duty, managing the crowds at every entrance.

Variants and Related Words

• Traffic duty: A more general term for police work involving traffic control, which may not be at a fixed intersection.
• Point duty is a compound noun. The word duty alone means a task or responsibility one is required to perform.

Synonyms

• Traffic control: The general activity of managing vehicle movement.
• Intersection control: A more technical term focusing on the location.

Notes

• The term is less common in everyday American English, where phrases like "directing traffic" are more frequently used.
• It is a fixed phrase; the words "point" and "duty" are not typically separated in this context.

Noun

1. the control of traffic by a policeman stationed at an intersection