What do the results of traffic count actually mean?

    The results of the traffic counts is set out as a series of graphs and tables and are in the library.

    The map shows the boundaries of the study area and also shows the site of each count undertaken. It also gives the reference number for each count site.

    Daily Volumes Over Seven Days. This graph shows the average daily volumes, over seven days, for every site. Using this graph you can compare traffic volumes at different locations in the study area.

    Daily Volumes over 5 Days (Mon-Fri). This graph shows the average daily volumes, over the business days of Monday to Friday, for every location. Use of this graph allows you to compare business day traffic volumes at different locations in the study area.

    Average Speed. This graph shows the average speeds of vehicles, travelling both directions, passing this site over the whole week. By using this graph you can compare average traffic speeds at different locations in the study area.

    85th Percentile Speed. This identifies the speed at, or below which, 85 percent of the vehicles are travelling. The 85th percentile speed is useful for comparing the speed profile of the majority of motorists passing each site. By using this graph you can compare the speeds at which the majority of passing motorists travel, at different locations in the study area.

    Percentage of Heavy vehicles. In Australia there are 12 identified classes of motor vehicles. These range from class one vehicles (Sedans, Wagons, 4WDs, Utilities, Light Vans, Bicycles, Motorcycles) through all of the truck and trailer combinations to outback style Road Trains. This graph shows the percentage of the total number of vehicles which are NOT Class 1 vehicles passing this location on average each day. On the second page of this document is a diagram showing the classes of vehicles identified within Australia. By using this graph you can compare what the typical truck traffic is at different locations within the study area.

    Traffic Count Summary Data for Each Location Counted. This has a page per each count site (ie. 56 locations) and provides more detailed information for each site. It splits the count into both directions (for two way streets), provides a detailed value for each of the measures and identifies the peak hours of traffic flow (for each direction). This data provides in depth details for each site.

    What is a Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) study?

    An LATM  scheme aims to reduce the impact of traffic in local streets and create a safer, more pleasant neighbourhood for residents.

    The key benefits of an LATM scheme are :

    • discouraging through-traffic (rat running) from using local streets
    • improving the safety of local streets for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, by reducing traffic speeds
    • reducing the incidence and potential for crashes within the study area
    • addressing the traffic concerns of the community while maintaining good levels of accessibility for local residents, service vehicles, local businesses and emergency services.

    Traffic calming treatments that could be considered for local streets include roundabouts, angled slow-ways, speed humps, speed cushions, kerb extensions, line marking,bike lanes and new regulations, depending on the local needs.