Dee Tuncer - Congestion Surveillance Officer

Meet Dee Tuncer, one of our new Congestion Surveillance Officers, who is ensuring our Smarter Roads network is free from any unwarranted disruptions.

What’s your work background?

My work background is originally in design and civil telecommunications works.

How did you come to join the Smarter Roads program and what was your interest in the program?

I was really keen to get into the roads sector and even more eager to work with DoT as they are the governing body of all major roads, so I figured the Smarter Roads program was a good fit.

What are your impressions of the program?

It’s a great program in terms of its focus on assisting all Victorians by minimising travel times and improving traffic flow on congested roads.   

You’re a Congestion Surveillance Officer. What does that involve?

My primary function is to assist with planned or unplanned road-related activity or traffic incidents that may impact flow of traffic on metropolitan arterial roads. I also provide critical incident response and traffic management services on arterial roads, including the surveillance and audit of road worksites.

What is the most interesting part of the job?

The most interesting part of the job is the diversity of the role. Each day is different, and we play a vital role in the education of traffic management companies that can really make a valuable contribution to the Victorian community. The role offers a variety of site and reporting work, and more importantly, we have a fantastic team environment and culture. 

How did the training you did equip you for the job?

The training we undertook was comprehensive, including both practical and theory based. This has also allowed us to provide educational and informative feedback to traffic management companies and contractors, while representing the department to drivers in our community. 

We have also been able to utilise the extensive knowledge and skills our more experienced team members and our Manager, who have always been available to assist us. 
 
How are you hoping to educate builders and traffic management companies about their responsibility to the rest of the road users?

We aim to provide informative feedback to traffic management companies, in a collaborative and educational environment. We also look to encourage open and honest conversations at sites with staff on the ground and provide comprehensive reports to contractors and traffic management companies.  

This gives us the opportunity to share our feedback, but to also gives them the chance demonstrate when and where they have improved over multiple inspections. Communication is key here, and the more we spend time with the various amounts of companies on site, the more we can build stronger relationships and work together.

How will the work you’re doing make it easier for people and freight to move around Melbourne’s roads?

By ensuring traffic management companies are adhering to the correct legislations and permits, as well as keeping clearways free from vehicles, we are keeping Melbourne roads moving as efficiently as possible. We are the eyes & ears of the road in getting Melbourne moving.

Get to know more of our Smarter Roads team here.