Resources

Traffic data glossary

A practical reference for the terms that shape traffic counts, video analysis, transport surveys and project deliverables.

Prepare the project

The strongest studies start with useful questions.

A concise project brief gives the team enough context to choose the right locations, periods, classes and deliverables.

A structured record of road-user activity at a defined location and time.

A record of left, right and through movements at an intersection.

Automatic Traffic Count, usually a continuous or temporary counter that records volumes over time.

The highest observed volume period within a defined analysis window.

A specified busy period, such as the morning or evening commuter window.

Grouping observed road users into an agreed category scheme.

The time or distance between successive vehicles passing a reference point.

The measured extent of a vehicle queue on an approach.

A survey that records vehicle speeds for an agreed location, period and analysis method.

A study of movements between defined origins and destinations.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition; used only with appropriate privacy controls and lawful processing.

A record of people passing a defined screenline, crossing or facility.

A record of bicycle movements at a defined location and time.

The proportion or number of parking spaces occupied during an observation period.

A visual summary of approach-by-approach movements at a junction.

The reporting unit used to group observations, such as 5, 15 or 60 minutes.

The defined location, approach or screenline at which observations are recorded.

A documented check for completeness, consistency and compliance with the agreed specification.