Why we collect traffic count data
The City of Vancouver determines how much traffic there is using automatic and manual traffic counts.
Data from traffic counts helps the City make traffic management decisions, such as when to implement traffic calming measures, and make changes to traffic zones, traffic and parking regulations, or bus stop locations.
Hose counts
The City conducts automatic counts by placing hoses on a roadway for up to a 72-hour period. The number of vehicles travelling each direction is recorded. Traffic counting is done mid-block between two intersections to give a total for each direction.
Manual counts
City staff conduct manual counts using an electronic count board at intersections with signals during the morning and afternoon rush hours. They collect information for all traffic – vehicular, pedestrian, and cyclist – at the intersection, including left and right turns, and through movements in every lane.
Get traffic count data
See where we are collecting traffic count data using VanMap.
- Automatic counts for this year are marked in red. To access traffic count data for a previous year:
- Click the plus sign to open Traffic & Transportation
- Open Traffic counts
- Open Directional Volume
- Select the year in VanMap as shown in the photo on the left
- Intersection traffic counts are marked with the car icon
- Double click an icon to access the traffic count report
