Traffic count

The traffic survey or traffic count is to determine the number of vehicles that pass through a section of road or an intersection in a given period. It is the basis for an economical and well-planned improvement of transport links.

• 2.3.1 Survey in the transport network
• 2.3.2 in the household survey
• 2.3.3 Survey on Aktivitätsort
• 2.3.4 Survey the workplace

Basics

Basically the collection is distinguished by two ways. Firstly, there is the count, which is concerned with the sheer number of vehicles and on the other there is the observation and questioning, which deals with the basic driving. Which one of these basic types of survey to be used depends on the results that are to be won with the survey.

In contrast to count observations and surveys can not be done automatically ( signs of this are already in freight transport, where data from freighters EDP systems can be achieved through the direct ).

Basically ( " surveys " ) and spatial surveys must be distinguished ( " counts " ) and between personal. The spatial survey can be further divided into a spatial survey in the narrower sense, as well as in a network- based survey. In the former, the movement of an object or a person in the room is mapped directly (eg, via satellite or cell phone tracking ), The second one with the movements of this person will be displayed in a grid.

Types of survey

Traffic count

The traffic count is divided into the following four types.

Object Counting

In the Object counting persons and / or vehicles will be counted, which are in a certain observation space within a defined period of time. In the object count is only counted as a rule and do not distinguish between the individual objects to be counted. This Zählvariante is but too vague and should be replaced by a more upscale count.

Cross-section count

Wherein the cross-sectional counting persons and / or vehicles are counted, which is within a defined period of time to pass a certain point of a road, the so-called cross. This is either a distinction between the individual transport, or the types of vehicles. Also combinations of both are possible.

Node collection

A node survey is a more sophisticated form of cross-section count. In addition next to the number of vehicles that come from a branch of the intersection, or the direction in which they leave the intersection again. In addition, here the number of crossing pedestrian is detected in the survey in each direction.

At intersections with a light warning device, the queue lengths are to be determined also in need. When congestion occurs, one count represents only the performance of the intersection approaches at the time of the traffic count. Storage are not the vessels waiting at "Red" and can through the intersection at the next " green ", but only the vehicles, which can not be settled in " green ", so have to wait until a subsequent green phase.

Current survey

A current survey is a survey that monitors traffic in a larger area ( cordon ). It consists of several cross-sectional censuses and surveys node. Apart from the number also the vehicle registration number is listed or the vehicle bearing a label. With this inquiry is to determine which vehicles pass through the cordon, drive into him or leave him.

Observation

By observing the characteristics of a road user and his behavior are determined in traffic. This observation is often carried out by means of video recordings. In addition, a classification of road users in the different groups.

Survey

A survey was to identify the target, past or planned transportation activities and the reasons for these activities. The road users are asked directly. The results of all types of survey are bundled and usually evaluated anonymously.

Survey in the transport network

In the survey in the transport network are people, for example, the user of public transport, interviewed at selected points or in the transport itself. These are mainly start and end point, but partly determined by the purpose of the trip and some socio- demographic information.

In the household survey

Surveys in the household surveys, which can be done either by telephone or in writing. Here, information on various behaviors are usually queried in traffic using a standardized questionnaire. The determination of the households usually happens by accident.

Survey on Aktivitätsort

Surveys of this kind usually take place in the parking lots in the area of leisure facilities. Again, a as in the household survey, questionnaires are used.

Survey in the workplace

These surveys are used to detect the commuter and freight traffic. The survey is usually done in writing. Since this is especially for freight transport is a partially very complex web of links, usually there is only a croped detection of traffic behavior.

Outline of the survey

In a traffic survey following subdivisions can take place.

Usually important is the choice of transport mode. A distinction is made between individual and public transport. For private transport this is one next to the pedestrian traffic and bicycle traffic and the use of transport cars, motorcycle (also called a motorbike ), moped, mopeds, scooters, and trucks The Public transport includes travel by taxi, bus, trolleybus, tram, light rail, U -Bahn, S -Bahn, train, boat and airplane. In freight transport, a distinction according to generally does not occur.

Furthermore, a distinction is made according to the transport object. This takes place in a classification of persons and goods.

In addition, structured according to the travel purpose; a distinction between private trips and journeys in the course of professional practice. This fall trips to the place of residence, work and training, for errands and leisure activities to the private roads. In contrast to the legal aspect, where trips are also considered to and from the place of work as business reasons, only trips to the performance of work be taken as professional ones.

Collection times

The day will be divided as part of a traffic survey in two sections. Between 6:00 to 22:00 clock the day and 22:00 to 6:00 clock the night traffic takes place. In daily traffic of morning traffic 6:00 to 10:00 clock and the afternoon traffic 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. clock is recorded separately often. Since the traffic density is highly variable throughout the day and depending on the study area, the following times for a traffic survey are recommended.

It is also recommended to count on a Tuesday or Thursday ( so-called normal working days ) to carry out, since no influence of the weekend is no longer present. In addition, days should be avoided immediately before and after holidays or at the beginning and end of vacation. The investigation should take place in the months of April, May, June, September and October.