Automatic Traffic Surveys – Classification and Speed

TAPS can provide traffic surveys using conventional pneumatic tube traffic classifiers (Metrocount 5600) or radar surveys (Smartsensor).

We have a large number of MetroCount, state of the art, traffic classifiers. This allows TAPS to undertake all scales of traffic surveys from a single site to large state-wide traffic surveys.

The pneumatic tube surveys are used where detailed axle surveys to Austroads classification standards (12 bins) are required.

Radar surveys are undertaken where:

•Traffic volumes and speeds may create safety or operational concerns with the installation of pneumatic tubes;

•Covert speed monitoring is required;

•Frequent lane assignment changes can be expected such as in construction zones etc.;

•Tram roads where tube surveys are not able to be undertaken.

Pneumatic Tube Classification Surveys

These surveys utilise MetroCount 5600 Series Vehicle Classifiers

Using two pneumatic axle sensors, the MetroCount 5600 Roadside Unit (RSU)

detects and stores the precise timing of every axle for every vehicle.  Once

operating, the MetroCount RSU is left at the survey location gathering data typically

for one or two weeks.

After the survey, the data collected by the RSU is unloaded and processed to

produce a summary of the traffic monitored. This data includes, vehicle

classifications (typically to Austroads 12 bins but can be adjusted to any summary

standards required); vehicle speeds with key statistics calculated such as average

speeds, minimum and maximum speeds, 85th%ile speeds, etc.

Whilst the classifiers are capable of counting bi-directional traffic using one classifier and set of tubes for both directions of traffic there are limits to the volumes that can be surveyed with accuracy. For a multiple lane road with uni-directional flows to ensure accurate counting generally pneumatic counts are installed to collect data lane by lane. That is there is generally one classifier and set of tubes installed for each lane surveyed. Inner lanes are monitored using “No count” tubes that ensure data is only collected for the lane being surveyed and not the outer lane that needs to crossed by the tubes.

We have adopted a “Rule of Thumb” for accurate counting based on our experience as shown in the table:

Radar Surveys

TAPS has a Smartsensor HD Radar Traffic Classifier mounted on a mobile trailer.

The trailer is equipped with 4 batteries and solar powered to allow the unit to be

deployed in the field for indefinite periods.

The Smartsensor units can survey up to 10 lanes simultaneously, collecting

speed data, length classification and occupancy data. Up to 15 user defined

speed bins and 10 length bins can used. The data can either be stored in the

unit for regular down loading or data can be continuously streamed out to a

web-site if required.

The unit can be installed anywhere from 1.8 metres from the first lane being

surveyed to about 15 metres from the nearest lane allowing great flexibility in

site installations.

Additionally Smartsensors can be installed on poles without the trailer if the site

conditions are not suitable for the use of the trailer.

Copyright 2011 - Traffic and Parking Surveys Pty Ltd

Ph. 9874 7834