Traffic Data
What Is a Turning Movement Count?
A practical explanation of intersection movement data.
By SWAT Alliance Editorial Team · Updated 25 August 2026
Insight at a glance
A short visual checklist for better study decisions.
Use the article as a starting point, then confirm the project-specific scope, method, review and output with the delivery team.
Question
What decision should this evidence help someone make?
Scope
Which locations, movements, classes and periods matter?
Review
How will completeness and definitions be checked?
Output
What format will make the result easiest to use?
Short answer
A turning movement count records how road users move through a junction: left, right and through, organised by approach and agreed time interval.
What it measures
The count creates an approach-by-movement record. It may also separate vehicle classes, pedestrians or cyclists when those categories are defined in the brief.
How to specify it
Start with a junction plan, arm labels, movement matrix, dates, periods, reporting intervals and class rules. A clear matrix prevents an analyst or reviewer from having to infer the intended paths.
How the data is checked
Review approach totals against the movement matrix, confirm every requested interval is present and document source gaps or agreed exceptions.
Frequently asked questions
Is it the same as an intersection count?
A turning movement count is an intersection count with an explicit allocation to movement paths.
Can it be video based?
Yes, when the footage shows the required approaches, stop lines and crossings clearly.
Go deeper
Turning Movement Count Methodology
A practical method for recording left, right and through movements at a defined junction.
View Methodology →Related services