Discuss the need of vehicle volume classification and occupation count

Traffic Volume data is represented by:

1. AADT – AADT stands for Annual Average Delay Traffic.

• It is defined as the average 24 hours volume at a location calculated over 365 days or a year.
• It includes seasonal variations in traffic.

1. Trend charts – Trend charts show traffic volume over years. These data are useful for planning future expansion, design and regulations.
2. Variation charts – Variation charts show hourly, daily and seasonal variations. This help in deciding the facilities and regulations needed during peak traffic periods.
3. Traffic flow maps – Traffic flow maps along the routes are drawn. These help to find the traffic periods.
4. Volume flow diagram – Volume flow diagram at intersections either drawn to a certain scale or indicating traffic volume. It is generally used for the design of intersections.
5. Occupation count: Occupation count is defined as the counting of traffic volume data.

This counting is done by two methods:

1. Mechanical counter: Mechanical counter can automatically record the number of vehicles crossing a section of the road in the desired period.
2. Manual counter: This method employs a field team to record traffic volume on prescribed record sheets.