With road cones such a hot topic in New Zealand due to concerns about overregulation and traffic management costs, we decided to explore what's happening in other major markets around the world. We interviewed Thomas McKeown, Marketing Manager from TrafFix Devices, to gain insights into American traffic delineation practices. We're curious about the types of cones used internationally, regulatory approaches, and recycling initiatives that could provide valuable perspective on New Zealand's situation.

1.    What kinds of traffic cones do you typically see on American roads? We see you offer both Enviro-Cones and PVC Cones - which are most popular? Typically American roadways there are 2 types of cones deployed – 1 piece PVC cones and 2 piece traffic cones like the Enviro-cone.
State regulators and departments of Transport will dictate the type of traffic required in their jurisdictions. What we typically is that those in very cold or very hot climates will opt for the 2 piece variant the Enviro-Cone as it affords greater durability in harsh conditions; the enviro-cone will not shatter in very cold conditions, nor will it fold, or droop, in very hot conditions. An added benefit of the Enviro-cone is its wind resistance, it has a much lower tipping point, meaning it will remain upright in more extreme conditions.

2.    What other traffic safety products do you offer in this space ? Anything cool or unique New Zealand should know about? Eg. the barrels? As far as other traffic delineation products, Traffic drums are very popular in the United States. With bigger vehicle sizes having a larger traffic delineator is seen as a benefit. The traffic drum affords a larger surface for reflective sheeting and provides a greater visual deterrent for drivers helping to improve the safety for road working crews. Other traffic delineators offered by TrafFix are the Looper and Grabber Tubes and cones.

3.    Who decides how many cones are needed for different road situations in the US? Is it state regulations, federal guidelines, or something else? Typically this is a determination made by State DoT’s

4.    What’s happening with cone recycling over there? We saw your Enviro-Cone is 80% recycled by weight - that’s pretty impressive! There is no national mandate regarding use of recycled materials in projects for temporary traffic control. The enviro-cone is 80% recycled material by weight, and also 100% of the device is able to be recycled for reuse

TrafFix Devices Recycling Rubber:
In the last year alone TDI recycled 11 million lbs of rubber keeping it all out of landfills! Not only did this rubber get recycled into the rubber bases that go on to save lives and protecting workzone crews, but it also helped them to be environmentally conscious.