The police and Fintraffic work closely together to ensure smooth and safe traffic, especially in exceptional situations. The cooperation is concretely reflected in the management of traffic congestion, the organisation of major events and the safeguarding of state visits.
Cooperation between the police and Fintraffic is seamless and efficient, as both operate at the Helsinki Metropolitan Area Traffic Control Centre. The traffic duty officer at the police works closely with the Fintraffic traffic operators, which allows for the rapid exchange of information. Information flows seamlessly also with the joint traffic duty officers of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa.
Police duty officers monitor traffic on the street network and may change traffic light programmes, for example, to eliminate congestion. If necessary, they provide information and feedback to the city's traffic light management services and traffic planners. Public events, such as concerts and port traffic, also require special arrangements.
"If something out of the ordinary happens in traffic, the information flows quickly to Fintraffic. The police receive valuable information from traffic cameras, for example, which helps in both congestion management and leading convoys," says Panu Matilainen, Traffic Duty Officer at the police.
Real-time information exchange for the benefit of road users
The cooperation works both ways. When a police patrol is on traffic duty, it can report any problems, such as an oil leak on the road, directly to the on-duty police officer at the Traffic Control Centre. The information is promptly transmitted to Fintraffic's Road Traffic Management, which may alert road users or reduce speed limits to lower the risk.
Rapid communication is particularly important in the event of traffic accidents. If an accident occurs during peak hours on the Helsinki exit route, Fintraffic's Road Traffic Centre prepares disruption notices and directs road users to alternative routes. This allows the police to manage the situation on site with minimal disruptions.
Fintraffic assists and supports in police convoys
The cooperation plays a key role also during state visits. When a police convoy passes through a tunnel, for example, Fintraffic may temporarily close the tunnel at the request of the police to ensure safety. Traffic lights can also be set to flash mode to facilitate escorts, parades or demonstrations. Information is also quickly transmitted to Rail Traffic Management.
"When information flows efficiently, we can ensure traffic flow and safety in all situations," Matilainen sums up.
