a. Location
The location of each TCP is given in the traffic control plan
prepared by the PM operations section. In addition, in the orders you will
be told the missions that the TCP is going to perform and their priority.
The first priority will always be control of the traffic flow.
Other
missions, however, may be assigned.
These may include straggler and/or
refugee control.
Another possible task may be to serve as a highway
regulating point in addition to being a TCP.
b. Selection Factors
The provost marshal or company commander will have determined the
general location of the TCP.
In making that determination, he will have
considered many factors. The primary factor will be the need for regulation
of traffic.
This will have been determined in coordination with the
transportation officer. The determination is based on how much regulation
of traffic is required, as well as on movement priorities.
The TCP will be located at a critical point in the highway network.
This is usually a key intersection where the possibility of traffic
congestion is high.
For example, a TCP may be required where two MSR
intersect.
Consideration will have been given as to whether other means might
be able to accomplish the task. A major consideration in this respect will
have been the personnel resources available.
Additionally, the provost
marshal will have considered whether temporary signing could be employed.
Since personnel resources are often limited, consideration will have been
given to sharing duties between MP TCPs and transportation highway
regulating points.
4.
Types of Routes.
One of the most critical factors in determining the need for TCPs and
their location is the degree of control that will be required.
The area
commander is responsible for this determination.
He accomplishes this
through the transportation staff officer and/or the highway traffic division
(HTD).
There are five types of route classifications.
They are open,
supervised, dispatch, reserved, and prohibited.
Route classification is
used to place the minimum amount of control on the road net that will still
facilitate movement.
Each of the five categories indicates a degree of
restriction.
These definitions have been standardized in NATO through
Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 2151.
a. Open Route
An open route has the least control exercised on it.
It is used
when the volume of traffic is light to moderate and/or there is a highly
developed, all-weather road system.
On an open route a movement credit
(convoy clearance) is not required.
Traffic control points will only be
provided at the most critical points. These will usually be intersections
which are confusing, or where a high density of crossing traffic is
expected. Standard traffic regulations will be enforced.
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