How RTL's Automated Stop-Go System Has Evolved from Efficiency Tool to Safety Shield
In recent years, road workers across New Zealand have faced increasing hostility and abuse from frustrated motorists. What began as a solution for keeping traffic controllers safely away from live lanes has now become an essential shield against a troubling rise in roadworker harassment. RTL's Instaboom GO automated stop-go paddle system is proving more valuable than ever in this changing landscape.

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From Safety Innovation to Worker Protection
When RTL first introduced the Instaboom GO system from UK-based SolarGates several years ago, its primary purpose was addressing a critical industry safety initiative: minimizing traffic controllers' exposure to the dangers of working near live traffic lanes. By allowing operators to control traffic flow remotely, the system reduced the risk of accidents and near-misses that traffic controllers frequently faced.

 Initially, we saw Instaboom as a technological advancement that would keep traffic controllers physically separated from dangerous traffic situations. The ability to control traffic remotely meant people spent less time in vulnerable positions

Adapting to Industry Challenges
As the system gained traction in the New Zealand market, its versatility became increasingly apparent. The Instaboom's capability for a single operator to control up to four units simultaneously proved invaluable during staff shortages. Traffic management companies found they could maintain operations even when faced with unexpected absences, with one person able to manage multiple control points from a single remote.

This efficiency feature quickly transformed from a convenient benefit to an essential capability as the industry faced persistent workforce challenges. Companies no longer needed to scramble when staff called in sick or positions couldn't be filled—the Instaboom GO provided operational continuity with fewer personnel.

Rising to Meet Today's Crisis
Today, the Instaboom GO system is being deployed with increasing frequency for a more troubling reason: protecting road workers from verbal and sometimes physical abuse. Following what many in the industry describe as a targeted campaign against roadworks and traffic management in New Zealand, road workers have reported alarming increases in hostile interactions with motorists.

Unfortunately, we've seen public frustration with road congestion turn into personal attacks on the very people working to improve our infrastructure. The rhetoric around road cones and traffic management has emboldened some motorists to direct their anger at vulnerable workers on the frontlines.

The Instaboom system allows traffic controllers to manage stop-go operations from the safety of their vehicles or from positions well removed from potential confrontations, significantly reducing their exposure to aggressive behavior. As public sentiment has soured, demand for the system has correspondingly increased.
Looking Forward
As New Zealand's roading sector continues to navigate both infrastructure challenges and public relations hurdles, technologies like the Instaboom system represent an important adaptation. What began as a safety innovation has evolved into a multifaceted solution addressing personnel shortages, worker protection, and operational efficiency.

At RTL, we never anticipated that one of the Instaboom's most important functions would be shielding our TTM customers from verbal abuse, but as the industry faces these challenges, we are grateful to provide a solution that keeps workers both physically safe and removed from increasingly hostile situations on our roads. 

For more information about RTL's Instaboom automated Stop-Go paddle system and how it can enhance your traffic management operations while protecting your workforce, check out these links or give us a call and we will arrange a demo for you 

Stay safe out there! Kia Kaha!