Better Transport

> How to count traffic
> How to find a rat run
> How to record speed
> How to conduct a pedestrian audit

How to count traffic

1. Decide where to hold your survey. Are you interested in just one particular road, a network of roads or junctions between major roads?
2. Decide what sorts of vehicles to record. You might want to count pedestrians and cyclists as well as the different types of vehicles
3. Decide when to hold your survey. Morning, evening peak? Off-peak time? If the problem is at a particular time of day or time of year, do the survey then, as well as at other times for comparison. Divide the survey time into 15-minute blocks to make it easier to compare the results between surveys. Each survey should be carried out at least twice at the same location and at the same time of day.
4. Position a couple of people at key points to record the number of vehicles travelling in both directions

Our Salisbury group surveyed traffic. You might find its survey instructions and conclusions help you start on your own.

How to find a rat run
If you are concerned certain roads are being used as shortcuts, you need to determine how much of the traffic is local and how much is on route to another destination.

• Outline on a map the area you are concerned with
• Identify the most important entry and exit points for traffic in the area outlined
• Arrange to survey those points at peak and off-peak times
• Count only cars of a specific colour, such as red or white, to give a sample
• Work out the average time it takes to drive through the area and use this to divide the observation period into suitable blocks of time. For example, if it takes about 10 minutes to drive from an entry point to an exit point, use 10-minute blocks. If a vehicle enters and leaves the area within the 10-minue block it is unlikely that it has made any stops
• Synchronise watches and agree on the start time
• Place observers, in pairs, at each of the enter and exit points. While one person shouts out the registration numbers, the other person can write them down

How to record speed
To estimate the speed of vehicles, go with a friend and:

1. Select the vehicle type you are gong to monitor, such as cars or lorries. If traffic levels are high you may find it easier to monitor vehicles that are a particular colour, after estimating what percentage they make up of overall traffic
2. Measure the distance you wish to survey. You could measure this on a map, use the odometer in a car or hire a record-as-you-walk road measurer
3. Measure the time it takes for a vehicle to travel from the start point to the end point. Have your friend record the information, so that you can stay focused on looking at the road

Average speed is simply distance travelled divided by time.

How to conduct a pedestrian audit
Counting the number of people passing a particular point, such as a bridge or a road into a train station, can help highlight the need for better pedestrian facilities. If you are campaigning for a pedestrian crossing you will also want to count the number of people crossing at particular locations and measure how long it take people to cross the road, to establish the length of time they are delayed.