Definition

Noun 1. The regulation of the movement of vehicles and pedestrians: The system, process, or profession of directing and managing the flow of traffic on roads, in airspace, or at sea to ensure safety and efficiency. 2. The personnel or equipment used for this purpose: The people (such as police officers or air traffic controllers) or devices (such as signals, signs, or radar) responsible for directing traffic.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The accident caused major disruptions to traffic control in the downtown area.
  • Effective air traffic control is vital for preventing mid-air collisions.
  • The police set up a temporary traffic control point near the construction site.

Advanced Usage

• "to be under traffic control": To have one's movement directed by an external system or authority.
  • All flights in this sector are under strict air traffic control.
• "traffic control measures": Specific actions or devices implemented to regulate traffic.
  • The city council approved new traffic control measures, including speed bumps and pedestrian crossings.

Variants and Related Words

• Traffic controller (n): A person who directs traffic, especially an air traffic controller.
  • The traffic controller guided the plane safely to its gate.
• Traffic management (n): A broader term often synonymous with traffic control, sometimes emphasizing planning and strategy.
  • The city's traffic management plan aims to reduce congestion.

Synonyms

• Regulation of traffic: The act of controlling traffic by rules.
• Direction of traffic: The act of guiding the flow of vehicles or aircraft.

Related Phrases

• Air traffic control: The specific system for managing the movement of aircraft.
  • The pilot communicated with air traffic control for landing instructions.
• Ground control: Traffic control for vehicles on the ground, especially at airports.
  • The tug driver followed instructions from ground control.

Noun

1. control of the flow of traffic in a building or a city