5 Group 9 Traffic Engineering Studies

TRAFFIC
ENGINEERING
STUDY
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING STUDY
Having a highway transportation is an advantage
that contribute to a high standard living, however
there are problem related to transportation such
as, crashes, parking difficulties, congestion and
delays. To reduce the negative impact, it is
necessary to adequately collect information that
describes the extent of the problems and identifies
their location by ORGANIZING, CONDUCTING
SURVEYS and STUDIES.
1. Inventories
2. Administrative Studies
3. Dynamic Studies
INVENTORIES
It provides list or graphic

display of existing
information. Some
inventories change
frequently and require
periodic updating.
ADMINISTRATIVE
STUDIES
Use existing records

available in government
agencies and
departments. Also used to
prepare and inventory of
the relevant data.
DYNAMIC TRAFFIC
STUDIES
Collection of data under

operational conditions.
Carried out by Traffic
Engineer to evaluate
current condition and
develop solutions.
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING STUDY
In short, traffic studies are carried out to analyze
the traffic characteristics. It helps in deciding the
geometric design features traffic control for safe
and efficient traffic movement.
TRAFFIC
VOLUME STUDY
TRAFFIC VOLUME STUDY
To collect data on the number of

vehicles and/ or pedestrians that
pass a point on a highway facility
during a specified time period.
It is used a quantity measure of

flow- commonly unit are vehicles
per day or vehicles per hour.
USES OF TRAFFIC
VOLUME STUDY
USES OF TRAFFIC VOLUME STUDY
IT IS GENERALLY
ACCEPTED AS A TRUE
MEASURE FOR THE
RELATIVE IMPORTANCE
OF ROADS
PLANNING, TRAFFIC
OPERATION AND
CONTROL OF EXISTING
FACILITIES
ANALYSIS OF TRAFFIC
PATTERNS AND TRENDS
USEFUL IN STRUCTUAL
DESIGN OF PAVEMENT
PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC
VOLUME STUDY IS USED
FOR PLANNING
SIDEWALK, CROSSWALK,
SUBWAY AND
PEDESTIRAN SIGNALS.
VOLUME
CHARACTERICTICS
VOLUME CHARACTERICTICS
1. Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT)
- the average of 24-hr counts collected every day of the year.
2. Average Daily Traffic (ADT)
- average of 24-hour counts collected over a number of days greater
than one but less than a year
3. Peak Hour Volume (PHV)

- maximum number of vehicles that pass a point on a highway during a
period of 60 consecutive minutes
VOLUME CHARACTERICTICS
4. Vehicle Classification (VC)
- records volume with respect to the type of vehicles, for example,
passenger cars, two-axle trucks, or three-axle trucks
5. Vehicle Miles of Travel (VMT)

-measure of travel along a section of road. It is the product of the traffic
volume (that is, average weekday volume or ADT) and the length of roadway in
miles to which the volume is applicable.
METHODS
OF
COUNTING
1.Manual Counting
Method
2.Automatic
Counting Method
Manual Counting Method
Used to gather data for
determination of vehicle
classification, turning movements,
direction of travel, pedestrian
movements, or vehicle
occupancy. Manual counts are
typically used for periods of less
than a day. Normal intervals for a
manual count are 5, 10, or 15
minutes.
TDC-12
ELECTRONIC
MANUAL COUNTER
SOFTWARE:
PETRAPro
ADVANTAGE
DISADVANTAGE
ADVANTAGE
• Details such as vehicle classification

DISADVANTAG
and number of occupants can be
obtained.
• Records Turning Movement
data of vehicles at intersections.
• Data accumulated by manual
methods are easy to analyze
• Analyzing traffic
characteristics in unusual
conditions.
• It is labor intensive and
therefore can be
expensive
ADVANTAGE • It is subject to the
limitations of human
factors
• It cannot be used for
long periods of counting
DISADVANTAGE
Automatic Counting
Method
Automatic counters can be

classified into two general
categories
Require the laying of

detectors
Do not require the laying

of detectors
Automatic Counting Method
Require the laying of Do not require the

detectors laying of detectors
Surface Doppler
Principles
Laser
Scanning
Subsurface Infrared
Require the laying of detectors
Surface Pneumatic Road Tubes
Apollo Counter/ Classifier manufactured

by Diamond Traffic Products.
1. Suitable for cities and counties
2. Capable of obtaining per-vehicle or
volume data.
Apollo
Counter/
Classifier
An Example of a Sensor Setup of a
Surface Detector Using Pneumatic
Road Tubes
Apollo
Counter/
Classifier
Require the laying of detectors
Subsurface Non- Invasive
(Magnetic & Electric Contact Device)
3M Canoga C900 Series Vehicle Detectors

-Use an inductive loop to identify the presence of
individual vehicles and determine speed, length,
occupancy, and obtain vehicle counts.
3M’s Non-Invasive
Microloop Model 702
Probes
3M Canoga
C900 Series
Vehicle
Detectors
Automatic Counting Method
Require the laying of Do not require the

detectors laying of detectors
Surface Doppler
Principles
Laser
Scanning
Traffic Eye
Subsurface
Universal
Do not require the laying of detectors
Doppler Principles
Autoscope uses electronic principles and RTMS meter uses
Doppler or FMCW Principles. Both are capable of obtaining
vehicle counts while obtaining speed data.
Laser Scanning
The general principle of the laser technology in traffic count
equipment uses laser beams to scan the roadway and the
vehicles that pass through the field of the laser beam.
AutoSense Traffic Detection Sensor

manufactured by OSI LaserScan. Emits
two scanning laser beams to create a 3D
image of each vehicle that passes
through the field of the beams.
Traffic Eye Universal

The Traffic Eye Universal manufactured by Siemens is
autonomous system that does not require any cabling. The
power is supplied through a solar panel with a battery back-up
It transmits data through the
Global System for Mobile
Communication, which
facilitates its installation at
remote location.
Data obtain:
1. Traffic Density
2. Speed
3. Number of vehicles
1.
Cordon Counts
2.
Screen Line Counts
3.
Intersection Counts TYPES OF VOLUME COUNT
4.
Pedestrian Volume
Counts
5.
Periodic Volume
Counts
TYPES OF VOLUME COUNT
Cordon Counts
Cordon count is undertaken
when information is required
on vehicle accumulation within
an area such as the central
business district (CBD) of a city.
Screen Line Counts
The study area is divided into

large sections by running
imaginary lines. Traffic counts
are then taken at each point
where a road crosses the screen
line.
Intersection Counts
Determine vehicle classifications
through movements and turning
movements at intersections. It
used mainly in determining
phase lengths and cycle times
for signalized intersections.
Pedestrian Volume
Counts
It is made at locations such as
subway stations, mid-blocks and
crosswalks. TDC-12 Electronic
Manual Counter can be used for
pedestrian counting.
Periodic Volume
Counts
The data from periodic count are COVERAGE
used to determine values that are
then employed in the estimation
of annual traffic characteristics. CONTROL
The periodic counts usually
conducted are:
CONTINUOUS
1. Continuous
2. Control
3. Coverage
CONTINUOUS
Uses permanent stations and highways
must be properly classified. Used for
AADT, daily, weekly, and seasonal
variation in traffic volumes.
Broad Classification System for Major Roads:

1. Freeways
2. Expressways
3. Major Arterial
For Minor Roads:

1. Residential
2. Commercial
3. Industrial Stress
CONTROL
Control stations are strategically located. Used to count for

seasonal and monthly variations of traffic characteristics so
that expansion factors can be determined which can be
used to determined year-round average values from short
counts.
Major Control Counts:

- taken monthly with 24-hr Minor control counts are five-
directional counts on at least day weekday counts taken
three days. The data collected every other month on minor
give information regarding roads.
hourly, monthly, and seasonal
variations of traffic
characteristics
COVERAGE
It is used to estimate ADT, using

expansion factors developed from
control counts. Study area divided into
zones with similar traffic characteristics.
A 24-hr non-directional weekday count
is taken at least once every four years at
each coverage station.
Data indicate changes in area wide
traffic characteristics.
TRAFFIC VOLUME DATA
PRESENTATION
The data collected from traffic

volume counts may be
presented in one of several
ways, depending on the type
of count conducted and the
primary use of the data.
TRAFFIC VOLUME DATA PRESENTATION
Traffic Flow Maps

-volume of traffic on each route is
represented by the width of a band.
In order to increase the usefulness of
such maps, the numerical value
represented by each band is listed
near the band.
Intersection Summary Sheets

-These sheets are graphic
representations of the volume and
directions of all traffic movements
through the intersection.
Time- Based Distribution Charts

Shows the hourly, daily, monthly or
annual variations in traffic volume in
an area or on a particular highway.
Summary Tables
These tables give a summary of traffic
volume data such as PHV, Vehicle
Classification (VC), and ADT in
tabular form.
Adjustment of Periodic Counts
Expansion Factors from Continuous Count Stations. Hourly, daily, and monthly expansion factors can
be determined using data obtained at continuous count stations.
Hourly expansion factors (HEFs) are determined by the formula
Daily expansion factors (DEFs) are computed as
Monthly expansion factors (MEFs) are computed as

4.1
SPOT SPEED
STUDIES
SPOT SPEED STUDIES
❖ Spot speed studies are conducted to estimate the distribution of speeds of vehicles in a stream of
traffic at a particular location on a highway.
❖ The speed of a vehicle is defined as the rate of movement of the vehicle; it is usually expressed in
miles per hour (mi/h) or kilometers per hour (km/h).
❖ A spot speed study is carried out by recording the speeds of a sample of vehicles at a specified
location. Speed characteristics identified by such a study will be valid only for the traffic and
environmental conditions that exist at the time of the study
Speed characteristics determined from a spot spe
ed study may be used to:
Establish parameters for traffic operation and control, such

as speed zones, speed limits (85th-percentile speed is com
monly used as the speed limit on a road), and passing
restrictions.
Evaluate the effectiveness of traffic control devices, such as

variable message signs at work zones.
Monitor the effect of speed enforcement programs, such as

the use of drone radar and the use of differential speed
limits for passenger cars and trucks
Evaluate and or determine the adequacy of highway geo

metric characteristics, such as radii of horizontal curves a
nd lengths of vertical curves.
Speed characteristics determined from a spot spe
ed study may be used to:
Evaluate the effect of speed on highway safe

ty through the analysis of crash data for diffe
rent speed characteristics.
Determine speed trends.
Determine whether complaints about speeding

are valid
4.1.1
LOCATION
FOR SPOT
SPEED
STUDIES
The following locations generally are used for the different applications listed:
Locations that represent different traffic

01 conditions on a highway or highways are
used for basic data collection.
Mid-blocks of urban highways and

straight, level sections of rural
02 highways are sites for speed trend
analyses
Any location may be used for the

03 solution of a specific traffic
engineering problem.
4.1.2
TIME OF DAY
AND
DURATION OF
SPOT SPEED
STUDIES
4.1.2
TIME OF DAY AND DURATION OF SPOT SPEED STUDIES
❖ The time of day for conducting a speed study depends

on the purpose of the study. In general, when the
purpose of the study is to establish posted speed limits,
to observe speed trends, or to collect basic data, it is
recommended that the study be conducted when traffic
is free-flowing, usually during off-peak hours.
4.1.2
❖ However, when a speed study is conducted in

response to citizen complaints, it is useful if the time
period selected for the study reflects the nature of
the complaints.
4.1.2
❖The duration of the study should be such that the

minimum number of vehicle speeds required for
statistical analysis is recorded. Typically, the
duration is at least 1 hour and the sample size is at
least 30 vehicles.
4.1.3
SAMPLE SIZE
FOR
SPOT SPEED
STUDIES
4.1.3
SAMPLE SIZE FOR SPOT SPEED STUDIES
❖The calculated mean (or average) speed is used to rep

resent the true mean value of all vehicle speeds at tha
t location. The accuracy of this assumption depends o
n the number of vehicles in the sample. The larger the
sample size, the greater the probability that the estim
ated mean is not significantly different from the true
mean. It is therefore necessary to select a sample size
that will give an estimated mean within acceptable er
ror limits.
Average Speed - which is the arithmetic
mean of all observed vehicle speeds
01 (which is the sum of all spot speeds
divided by the number of recorded
speeds). It is given as
4.1.3
Median Speed - which is the speed at
the middle value in a series of spot
02 speeds that are arranged in ascending
order. 50 percent of the speed values
will be greater than the median; 50
percent will be less than the median.
Modal Speed - which is the speed value
03 that occurs most frequently in a sample
of spot speeds.
ith-percentile Spot Speed - which is the
spot speed value below which i percent
04 of the vehicles travel; for example, 85th-
percentile spot speed is the speed below
which 85 percent of the vehicles travel
and above which 15 percent of the
vehicles travel.
Pace - which is the range of speed—usually
taken at 10-mi/h intervals—that has the greatest
number of observations. For example, if a set of
speed data includes speeds between 30 and 60
05 mi/h, the speed intervals will be 30 to 40 mi/h,
40 to 50 mi/h, and 50 to 60 mi/h, assuming a
range of 10 mi/h. The pace is 40 to 50 mi/h if
this range of speed has the highest number of
observations.
Standard Deviation of Speeds - which is
06 a measure of the spread of the
individual speeds. It is estimated as
4.1.3
The minimum sample size depends on
the precision level desired. The precision level is
defined as the degree of confidence that the
sampling error of a produced estimate will fall
within a desired fixed range. Thus, for a precision
level of 90–10, there is a 90 percent probability
(confidence level) that the error of an estimate will
not be greater than 10 percent of its true value.
The confidence level is commonly given in terms of
the level of significance (a), where a (100
confidence level). The commonly used confidence
level for speed counts is 95 percent.
The basic assumption made in

determining the minimum sample size for speed
studies is that the normal distribution describes
the speed distribution over a given section of
highway. The normal distribution is given as
4.1.3
The properties of the normal distribution are then used to determine the minimum sample size for an acceptable error d of the
estimated speed. The following basic properties are used (see Figure 4.1):
1. The normal distribution is symmetrical about the mean.

2. The total area under the normal distribution curve is equal to 1 or 100%.
3. The area under the curve between m s and m s is 0.6827.
4. The area under the curve between m 1.96s and m 1.96s is 0.9500.
5. The area under the curve between m 2s and m 2s is 0.9545.
6. The area under the curve between m 3s and m 3s is 0.9971.
7. The area under the curve between m and m is 1.0000.
4.1.3
The last five properties are used to draw specific conclusions about speed data. For example, if it can be assumed that the true
mean of the speeds in a section of highway is 50 mi/h and the true standard deviation is 4.5 mi/h, it can be concluded that
95 percent of all vehicle speeds will be between (50 1.96 4.5) 41.2 mi/h and (50 1.96 4.5) 58.8 mi/h. Similarly, if a vehicle
is selected at random, there is a 95 percent chance that its speed is between 41.2 and 58.8 mi/h. The properties of the nor
mal distribution have been used to develop an equation relating the sample size to the number of standard variations corre
sponding to a particular confidence level, the limits of tolerable error, and the standard deviation.
The formula is
4.1.3
4.1.3
4.1.3
4.1.4
METHODS
FOR
CONDUCTING
SPOT SPEED
STUDIES
4.1.4
METHODS FOR CONDUCTING SPOT SPEED STUDIES
The methods used for conducting spot

speed studies can generally be divided into two main
categories: manual and automatic.
Several automatic devices that can be

used to obtain the instantaneous speeds of
vehicles at a location on a highway are now avail
able on the market. These automatic devices can
be
grouped into three main categories:
(1) those that use road detectors,
(2) those that are radar-based,
(3) those that use the principles of electronics
Road detectors - can be classified into two general
categories: pneumatic road tubes and induction loops. These
devices can be used to collect data on speeds at the same
time as volume data are being collected. When road
detectors are used to measure speed, they should be laid
such that the probability of a passing vehicle closing the
connection of the meter during a speed measurement is
reduced to a minimum. This is achieved by separating the
road detectors by a distance of 3 to 15 ft.
4.1.4
Pneumatic road tube - sensors send a burst of air pressure along a rubber tube
when a vehicle's tires pass over the tube. The pressure pulse closes an air switch,
producing an electrical signal that is transmitted to a counter or analysis software.
4.1.4
Inductive loops - work like a metal detector as they measure the

change in the field when objects pass over them. Once a vehicle drives o
ver a loop sensor the loop field changes which allows the detection device
to detect the presence of an object (mainly a vehicle).
4.1.4
The advantage of the detector meters is that human errors are c

onsiderably reduced. The disadvantages are that
(1) these devices tend to be rather expensive and
(2) when pneumatic tubes are used, they are rather conspicuous
and may, therefore, affect driver behavior, resulting in a distortion
of the speed distribution.
Radar-based traffic sensors - work on the
principle that when a signal is transmitted onto a moving
vehicle, the change in frequency between the transmitted
signal and the reflected signal is proportional to the speed of
the moving vehicle. The difference between the frequency of
the transmitted signal and that of the reflected signal is
measured by the equipment and then converted to speed in
mi/h.
4.1.4
Figure 4.2 shows a RTMS radar-based traffic sensor manufactur

ed by Electronic Integrated Systems (EIS). This sensor can be deploye
d either in the forward-looking mode as shown in Figure 4.2a or in
the side-fire mode as illustrated in Figure 4.2b. When deployed in the
forward mode a speed trap or Doppler system is used, and in the
side mode a Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) system
is used.
4.1.4
4.1.4
Electronic-Principle Detectors - In this method, the presence of
vehicles is detected through electronic means, and information on these
vehicles is obtained, from which traffic characteristics, such as speed, volume,
queues, and headways are computed. The great advantage of this method
over the use of road detectors is that it is not necessary to physically install
loops or any other type of detector on the road. A technology using
electronics is video image processing, sometimes referred to as a machine-
vision system. This system consists of an electronic camera overlooking a large
section of the roadway and a microprocessor. The electronic camera receives
the images from the road; the microprocessor determines the vehicle’s
presence or passage. This information is then used to determine the traffic
characteristics in real time. One such system is the autoscope.
4.1.4
4.1.4
4.1.5
PRESENTATION
AND ANALYSIS
OF SPOT SPEED
DATA
The data collected in spot speed
studies are usually taken only from a sample
of vehicles using the section of the highway
on which the study is conducted, but these
data are used to determine the speed
characteristics of the whole population of
vehicles traveling on the study site. It is
therefore necessary to use statistical methods
in analyzing these data. Several characteristics
are usually determined from the analysis of
the data. Some of them can be calculated
directly from the data; others can be
determined from a graphical representation.
Thus, the data must be presented in a form
suitable for specific analysis to be carried out.
4.1.5
PRESENTATIONAND ANALYSISOF SPOT SPEED DATA
4.1.5
4.1.5
4.1.5
4.1.5
4.1.5
4.1.5
4.1.5
A travel time study determines the amount of
time required to travel from one point to another
on a given route.
In conducting such a study,

information may also be collected
on the locations, durations, and
causes of delays.
• Determinate the efficiency of route
• Identification of locations with high delays
• Performance of before and after studies
• Evaluate effectiveness of traffic operations
• Determine the relative efficiency of route
• Improve trend studies
• Performance of economic studies
Travel time is the time taken by a vehicle to traverse a
given section of a highway.
Running time is the time a vehicle is actually in motion

while traversing a given section of a highway.
Delay is the time lost by a vehicle due to causes beyond

the control of the driver.
Stopped-time delay is that part of the delay during which

the vehicle is at rest.
Operational delay is that part Fixed delay is that part of the
of the delay caused by the delay caused by control devices
impedance of such as traffic
other traffic. signals.
Travel – time delay is the difference between the actual travel time
and the travel time that will be obtained.
using a test not requiring
vehicle a test vehicle
This category involves three possible techniques:
• Floating – Car Technique
• Average – Speed Technique
• Moving – Vehicle Technique

Floating-Car Technique:
In this method, the test car is driven by an observer along
the test section so that the test car “floats” with the traffic.
The driver of the test vehicle

attempts to pass as many vehicles
as those that pass his test vehicle.
The time taken to traverse the study
section is recorded.
Average-Speed Technique:
This technique involves driving the test car along the
length of the test section at a speed that, in the opinion of the
driver, is the average speed of the traffic stream.
The time required to traverse the test section is noted.

The test run is repeated for the minimum number of times,
determined from equation, and the average time is recorded as
the travel time.
Moving-Vehicle Technique:
In this technique, a test vehicle is driven over a given
course of travel at approximately the average speed of the
stream, thus trying to float with the traffic stream.
A number of test runs are made along the study stretch

and a group of observers that record the various details.
Run Direction No. of Vehicle in No. of Vehicles No. Vehicles Passes/
Opposite Direction Overtaking the Car Overtaken by the Car
Travel Time
B to A 80 5 7 4
A to B 50 2 3 5
𝑵𝒚 + 𝑶𝒙 − 𝑷𝒙 𝟔𝟎 𝟔𝟎 𝑶𝒙 − 𝑷𝒙
𝑽𝒙 = ഥ 𝒙 = 𝑻𝒙 −
𝑻
𝑻𝒚 + 𝑻𝒙 𝑽𝒙
𝑇ത𝑥 = average travel time per minute

Vx = average volume of vehicles with in the direction of stream
Ny = average number of vehicles counted in the direction
Ox = average number of vehicles that overtaking the test vehicle
Px = average number of vehicles that test vehicle passes
Tx = average travel time of test vehicle with in the stream
Ty = average travel time of test vehicle against the stream
Travel Time
B to A 80 5 7 4
A to B 50 2 3 5
𝑁𝑦 + 𝑂𝑥 − 𝑃𝑥 60 𝑂𝑝𝑝. 𝐷𝑦 + 𝑂𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑥 − 𝑃𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑥 60

𝑉𝑥 = ; 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑥 =
𝑇𝑦 + 𝑇𝑥 𝑇. 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑦 + 𝑇. 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑥
50 + 5 − 7 60
𝑉𝑥 = = 320 vehicle/hr
5+4
60 𝑂𝑥 − 𝑃𝑥 60 𝑂𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑥 − 𝑃𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑥
𝑇ത𝑥 = 𝑇𝑥 − ; 𝐴𝑣𝑒. 𝑇ത𝑥 = 𝑇. 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑥 −
𝑉𝑥 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑥
60 5 − 7
𝑇ത𝑥 = 4 − = 4.375 min
320
Travel Time
B to A 80 5 7 4
A to B 50 2 3 5
𝑁𝑦 + 𝑂𝑥 − 𝑃𝑥 60 𝑂𝑝𝑝. 𝐷𝑦 + 𝑂𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑥 − 𝑃𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑥 60

𝑉𝑥 = ; 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑥 =
𝑇𝑦 + 𝑇𝑥 𝑇. 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑦 + 𝑇. 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑥
80 + 2 − 3 60
𝑉𝑥 = = 526.668 or 527 vehicle/hr
4+5
60 𝑂𝑥 − 𝑃𝑥 60 𝑂𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑥 − 𝑃𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑥
𝑇ത𝑥 = 𝑇𝑥 − ; 𝐴𝑣𝑒. 𝑇ത𝑥 = 𝑇. 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑥 −
𝑉𝑥 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑥
60 2 − 3
𝑇ത𝑥 = 5 − = 5.11 min
527
𝑵𝒚 + 𝑶𝒙 − 𝑷𝒙 𝟔𝟎
𝑽𝒙 =
𝑻𝒚 + 𝑻𝒙
𝟔𝟎 𝑶𝒙 − 𝑷𝒙
ഥ 𝒙 = 𝑻𝒙
𝑻 −
𝑽𝒙
License-Plate Observations:
This method synchronized stop watches or recording
equipment are used. Observers are stationed at the entrance and
exit of a test section where information of travel time is required.
The timings and vehicle numbers are noted by the

observers of the selected sample.
Photographic Technique:
It is a method of
gathering travel time with
the use of cameras, and
other video recording
devices.
* Elevated observation
technique
Interviews:
The interviewing method is carried out by obtaining
information from people who drive on the study site regarding
their travel times, their experience of delays, and so forth. This
method facilitates the collection of a large amount of data in a
relatively short time.
However, it requires the cooperation of the people

contacted, since the result depends entirely on the information
given by them.
ITS Advanced Technologies:
ITS, which is also referred to as Telematics, generally can be

described as the process through which data on the movement of
people and goods can be collected, stored, analyzed, and related
information disseminated.
The process has been used in many areas of transportation

engineering including the management of traffic, public
transportation, traveler information, electronic toll payment, and
safety.
ITS Advanced Technologies:
A commonly used technology for locating the positions of
the cell phones is the GPS satellite system. This system can
locate the position of a cell phone with an accuracy of between
15 and 90 ft.
By probing cell phones on highways, the technology is

used to determine average speeds and travel times along
highways.
PARKING STUDIES
By : Michael Angelo D. Oledan

Did you know that you
cannot reserve a parking
space just by standing on
it?
FUN FACT!!!
However there aren’t

any laws that says it’s
illegal
PARKING STUDIES
By the end the end of this lesson, you will

learn :
◉ What is Parking Studies?

◉ Different types of parking facilities
◉ Terminologies
◉ Methodology of Parking Studies
PARKING STUDIES
Vehicles that travel around will eventually be

parked, either it will be for a while or for a long period
of time. Therefore, provision for parking facilities is an
essential element for transportation.
What is
PARKING STUDIES
It is a field of study which is conducted to collect the

required information about the capacity and use of
existing parking facilities. Moreover, information about
the demand for parking is needed.
What is
PARKING STUDIES
Parking studies may be restricted to a particular

traffic producer or attractor, such as a store, or they may
encompass an entire region, such as a central business
district.
What is
PARKING STUDIES
Parking facilities are either permanent or temporary.

Permanent parking facilities are an integral part of
installation traffic and building plans. They may be either
on-street or off-street parking.
PARKING STUDIES
Before we discuss the details

of parking studies, it is necessary
to discuss the different types of
parking facilities.
PARKING STUDIES
PARKING FACILITY
Is an area set aside for the storage and parking of

vehicles and includes parking stalls, loading spaces, aisles,
entrances and exits to the area, and traffic islands where
they are part of the parking facility
PARKING STUDIES
PARKING FACILITY
There are two types of parking facility
On-street
PARKING STUDIES
TYPES OF PARKING FACILITIES
On-street are also known as

curb facilities. Parking bays are
provided alongside the curb on one
or both sides of the street.
PARKING STUDIES
Off-street are parking facilities

which is not on a roadway. It is a
dedicated area for parking which is
not found inside the road network.
PARKING STUDIES
For Off-street parking facility, it can be categorized into

two, namely;
Indoor and Surface Lot Parking facility
PARKING STUDIES
Indoor Parking Facility, as the

name suggests, is a type of parking
facility found indoors. Can be private or
public owned.
Such examples are UG carpark or garage,
etc.
PARKING STUDIES
On the contrary, Surface Lot Parking are

parking facilities outdoors, exposed to
weather. Namely parking lots.
PARKING STUDIES
What are the pros and cons of these
parking facilities?
PARKING STUDIES
On-Street Parking
Pros Cons
• Better utilization of Public ○ Risk of vandalism, break-
space ins, dents and scratches
• Quick turnaround time from careless drivers
• Free – cheap parking rate ○ Expensive parking tickets
for violations
PARKING STUDIES
Off-Street Parking
Pros Cons
• CCTC-enabled, well-lit, paved, ○ Higher rates than street
and secure garages parking
• 24-hour parking lot ○ Some garages have a
attendants height limit
• Free – cheap parking rate
PARKING STUDIES
Different ways to park
PARKING STUDIES
Law enforced relating to parking misconducts
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 4136
AN ACT TO COMPILE THE LAWS RELATIVE TO LAND TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC RULES, TO
CREATE A LAND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
PARKING STUDIES REPUBLIC ACT NO. 4136
SECTION 46. Parking Prohibited in Specified Places. – No driver shall park a vehicle, or permit
it to stand, whether attended or unattended, upon a highway in any of the following places:
(a) Within an intersection.
(b) On a crosswalk.
(c) Within six meters of the intersection of curb lines.
(d) Within four meters of the driveway entrance to and fire station.
(e) Within four meters of a fire hydrant.
(f) In front of a private driveway.
(g) On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the curb or edge of the highway.
(h) At any place where official signs have been erected prohibiting parking.
PARKING STUDIES
DEFINITION OF PARKING TERMS
SPACE-HOUR PARKING LOAD
PARKING VOLUME PARKING DURATION
PARKING ACCUMULATION PARKING TURNOVER

PARKING VOLUME
PARKING STUDIES PARKING LOAD
PARKING DURATION
DEFINITION OF PARKING TERMS: PARKING TURNOVER
PARKING ACCUMULATION
SPACE-HOUR
A space-hour is a unit of parking that defines the use of a

single parking space for a period of 1 hour
SPACE-HOUR
PARKING STUDIES PARKING LOAD
PARKING DURATION
PARKING VOLUME
It is the total number of vehicles that park in a study area

during a specific length of time, usually a day.
SPACE-HOUR
PARKING STUDIES PARKING VOLUME
PARKING DURATION
PARKING LOAD
It is the area under the accumulation curve between two

specific times. It is usually given as the number of space-hours
used during the specified period of time.
SPACE-HOUR
PARKING LOAD
PARKING DURATION
It is the length of time a vehicle is parked at a parking bay.

When the parking duration is given as an average, it gives an
indication of how frequently a parking space becomes available
SPACE-HOUR
PARKING LOAD
DEFINITION OF PARKING TERMS: PARKING DURATION
PARKING TURNOVER
The rate of use of a parking space. It is obtained by

dividing the parking volume for a specified period by the
number of parking spaces.
SPACE-HOUR
PARKING LOAD
DEFINITION OF PARKING TERMS: PARKING DURATION
PARKING TURNOVER
The number of parked vehicles in a study area at any

specified time. These data can be plotted as a curve of parking
accumulation against time, which shows the variation of the
parking accumulation during the day.
PARKING STUDIES
METHODOLOGY
PARKING STUDIES
Methodology
A comprehensive parking study usually involves

• inventory of existing parking facilities;
• collection of data on parking accumulation, parking turnover and
parking duration
• identification of parking generators, and (4) collection of
information on parking demand. Information on related factors, such as
financial, legal, and administrative matters, also may be collected.
PARKING STUDIES
Inventory of existing parking facilities
An inventory of existing parking facilities is a detailed

listing of the location and all other relevant characteristics of
each legal parking facility, private and public, in the study area.
The inventory includes both on- and off-street facilities. The
relevant characteristics usually listed include the following
PARKING STUDIES
Inventory of existing parking facilities
Type and number of parking spaces at each parking facility
• Times of operation and limit on duration of parking, if any
• Type of ownership (private or public)
• Parking fees, if any, and method of collection
• Restrictions on use (open or closed to the public)
• Other restrictions, if any (such as loading and unloading zones, bus stops, or taxi
ranks)
• Probable degree of permanency (can the facility be regarded as permanent or is
it just a temporary facility?
PARKING STUDIES
Collection of Parking Data
Accumulation data are obtained by checking the amount of

parking during regular intervals on different days of the week.
The selection of the times depends on the operation times of
land-use activities that act as parking generators. For example,
if a commercial zone is included, checks should be made during
the times when retail shops are open
PARKING STUDIES
Turnover and Duration
Information on turnover and duration is usually obtained

by collecting data on a sample of parking spaces in a given
block. This is done by recording the license plate of the vehicle
parked on each parking space in the sample at the ends of fixed
intervals during the study period. The length of the fixed
intervals depends on the maximum permissible duration
PARKING STUDIES
Turnover and Duration
For example, if the maximum permissible duration of parking at a

curb face is 1 hour, a suitable interval is every 20 minutes. If the
permissible duration is 2 hours, checking every 30 minutes would be
appropriate. Turnover is then obtained from the equation
number of different vehi𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑘𝑒𝑑

𝑇=
number of parking spaces
PARKING STUDIES
PARKING STUDIES
Parking Demand
Information on parking demand is obtained by interviewing

drivers at the various parking facilities listed during the inventory.
Information sought should include (1) trip origin, (2) purpose of trip, and
(3) driver’s destination after parking. The interviewer must also note the
location of
the parking facility, times of arrival and departure, and the vehicle type
PARKING STUDIES
Analysis of Parking Data
Analysis of parking data includes summarizing, coding, and

interpreting the data so that the relevant information required for decision
making can be obtained. The relevant information includes the following:
• Number and duration for vehicles legally parked
• Number and duration for vehicles illegally parked
• Space-hours of demand for parking
• Supply of parking facilities
PARKING STUDIES Analysis of Parking Data
Categories served (Cs)=

% 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑥 𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑣𝑒ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑥 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑡
Total number of vehicles turned away =

𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑣𝑒ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠
1−% 𝑜𝑓 𝑣𝑒ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘
- 𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑣𝑒ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠
Categories not served (Cns)=

% 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑥 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑣𝑒ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑥 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑡
Total space hours of demand =

ΣCs +ΣCns
Total space-hours served=

ΣCs
Number of space-hours required=
Total space-hour demand - ΣCs
n𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑑𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑒(𝑁) =

Parking efficiency + Number of hours + N = Number of space-hours required
PARKING STUDIES Sample Problem
Thank you for listening!!!
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TRAFFIC

It provides list or graphic

Use existing records

Collection of data under

To collect data on the number of

It is used a quantity measure of

3. Peak Hour Volume (PHV)

5. Vehicle Miles of Travel (VMT)

• Details such as vehicle classification

Automatic counters can be

Require the laying of

Do not require the laying

Require the laying of Do not require the

Apollo Counter/ Classifier manufactured

3M Canoga C900 Series Vehicle Detectors

Require the laying of Do not require the

AutoSense Traffic Detection Sensor

Traffic Eye Universal

Screen Line Counts

The study area is divided into

Broad Classification System for Major Roads:

For Minor Roads:

Control stations are strategically located. Used to count for

Major Control Counts:

It is used to estimate ADT, using

The data collected from traffic

Traffic Flow Maps

Intersection Summary Sheets

Time- Based Distribution Charts

Hourly expansion factors (HEFs) are determined by the formula

Daily expansion factors (DEFs) are computed as

Monthly expansion factors (MEFs) are computed as

Establish parameters for traffic operation and control, such

Evaluate the effectiveness of traffic control devices, such as

Monitor the effect of speed enforcement programs, such as

Evaluate and or determine the adequacy of highway geo

Evaluate the effect of speed on highway safe

Determine speed trends.

Determine whether complaints about speeding

Locations that represent different traffic

Mid-blocks of urban highways and

Any location may be used for the

❖ The time of day for conducting a speed study depends

❖ However, when a speed study is conducted in

❖The duration of the study should be such that the

❖The calculated mean (or average) speed is used to rep

The basic assumption made in

1. The normal distribution is symmetrical about the mean.

The methods used for conducting spot

Several automatic devices that can be

Inductive loops - work like a metal detector as they measure the

The advantage of the detector meters is that human errors are c

Figure 4.2 shows a RTMS radar-based traffic sensor manufactur

In conducting such a study,

Running time is the time a vehicle is actually in motion

Delay is the time lost by a vehicle due to causes beyond

Stopped-time delay is that part of the delay during which

• Floating – Car Technique

• Average – Speed Technique

• Moving – Vehicle Technique

The driver of the test vehicle

The time required to traverse the test section is noted.

A number of test runs are made along the study stretch