A traffic marshal directs vehicles and pedestrians safely on private land, such as car parks, retail parks, business parks, hospitals, schools and event sites. Typical traffic marshal duties include guiding drivers to spaces, managing entry and exit queues, keeping roads and fire lanes clear, separating pedestrians from vehicles, helping drivers with questions and reporting incidents. On busy days, good marshalling is the difference between a car park that flows and one that gridlocks back onto the public road.
This guide explains what traffic marshals do, where they work, the training and PPE needed, what marshals can and cannot do legally, and typical pay.
What does a traffic marshal do?
- Directing vehicles into available spaces and overflow areas.
- Managing queues at entrances, exits, barriers and pay points.
- Keeping emergency access routes, fire lanes and disabled bays clear.
- Creating safe crossing points and guiding pedestrians.
- Placing and moving cones, barriers and temporary signs.
- Assisting drivers with directions, payment and parking rules.
- Guiding large or reversing vehicles, acting as banksman where trained.
- Reporting accidents, near misses and damage.
- Communicating with control and colleagues by radio.
Where traffic marshals work
| Setting | Typical focus |
|---|---|
| Retail and supermarket car parks | Weekend and Christmas peaks, overflow parking, trolley areas |
| Events, festivals and sports | Arrival waves, field parking, safe egress after the event |
| Hospitals and campuses | Drop-off zones, emergency access, staff and visitor separation |
| Offices and business parks | Morning peaks, contractor and delivery access |
| Schools | Drop-off and pick-up safety |
| Construction and maintenance | Site entrances, plant movements, temporary layouts |
What traffic marshals can and cannot do
On private land, marshals act on behalf of the landowner and can direct traffic in line with the site’s rules. They cannot direct traffic on the public highway unless they have specific legal powers. Stopping or directing traffic on a public road requires the police or, in some cases, people accredited under a Community Safety Accreditation Scheme, or for road works, staff working to the Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice. Event organisers who need traffic control on public roads should involve the local highway authority and police early.
Marshals also cannot force drivers to comply. Their role is to guide, inform and keep people safe, and to escalate when someone ignores safety instructions.
Training and qualifications
There is no single mandatory licence for marshalling on private land, but marshals must be competent. Good training covers:
- Hand signals and positioning, based on the Safety Signs and Signals Regulations.
- Pedestrian and vehicle segregation.
- Radio procedures.
- Conflict management and customer service.
- Emergency procedures and first aid awareness.
- The site’s traffic management plan.
Recognised courses include traffic and vehicle marshal training, CPCS A73 or NPORS cards for construction sites, and Level 2 Spectator Safety for events. If reversing guidance is part of the job, read our banksman guide.
PPE and equipment
- High-visibility jacket or vest (Class 2 or 3 to BS EN ISO 20471 for busy or low-light areas).
- Safety footwear.
- Waterproofs and cold-weather clothing.
- Illuminated wands or batons for dark conditions.
- Two-way radio.
- Cones, barriers and temporary signage.
Planning marshal numbers
The right number of marshals depends on vehicles per hour, the number of entry and exit points, pedestrian crossing points and the layout. Build marshal positions into your car park traffic management plan, with a site map showing each post, and brief everyone before the peak starts. At events, the busiest period is usually egress, when everyone tries to leave at once.
Traffic marshal pay in the UK
Marshals are usually paid hourly. Pay must be at least £12.71 an hour for workers aged 21 and over from April 2026, rising to £13.21 in April 2027. Rates for night work, events and construction sites with CPCS cards are often higher.
Expecting a busy peak or an event?WWSG provides trained traffic marshals and car park teams at short notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a traffic marshal do?
Guides vehicles and pedestrians safely on private land, manages queues, keeps emergency routes clear and reports incidents.
Can traffic marshals direct traffic on public roads?
Not without specific legal powers. Public road traffic control needs the police, accredited persons or approved road works arrangements.
Do traffic marshals need a licence?
Not for private land, but they must be trained and competent. Construction sites often require a CPCS A73 or NPORS card.
What is the difference between a traffic marshal and a banksman?
A traffic marshal manages overall flow. A banksman guides individual vehicle movements, especially reversing.
Car park and traffic control from WWSG
WWSG supplies traffic marshals for retail parks, offices, hospitals and events. Find out about our car park management services or contact us.