capturing real-time data

Traffic Surveys

Collecting and Analysing Accurate Traffic Data

At Paul Castle Associates, we have over 40 years of experience in managing traffic surveys and handling data. We understand the importance of collecting and analysing accurate traffic data and the effect this can have on transportation planning, urban development, and environmental assessments.

In recent years, traffic surveys have evolved; technology has improved, battery life has become more efficient, image quality has become more refined, and the scope to integrate other software has become common. As a result of these developments, they are used more frequently as a vital tool for capturing real-time information on traffic patterns, parking utilisation, pedestrian movement, and much more.

For more information on Traffic surveys, contact our team today.

Different Types of Data Collection Methods for Traffic Surveys

There are several different types of data collection methods used for traffic surveys, each one is suited to different applications. The options include both stationary and mobile implementation, with some providing more detailed views of traffic and parking patterns than others.

  • Drones
  • Video Surveys
  • ATC UNIT
  • ANPR
  • Radar Boxes & Speed Guns
  • Bluetooth

Where Traffic Surveys Are Used

Traffic surveys are essential tools used by transport planners, local authorities, and engineers to understand how roads and public spaces are used. They provide accurate data that informs decisions on infrastructure improvements, safety interventions, and long-term transport strategies.

Traffic Management – Helps design and adjust signal timings, road layouts, and junctions to improve flow and reduce congestion.

Road Safety – Identifies high-risk areas and supports the implementation of speed limits, crossings, or traffic calming measures.

Infrastructure Planning – Informs the need for new roads, cycle lanes, or pedestrian facilities based on current and projected demand.

Policy Development – Supports sustainable transport policies by tracking modal shifts, parking behaviour, and journey times.

Environmental Monitoring – Assists in measuring traffic volume trends which relate to air quality and noise pollution studies.

Types of Traffic Survey

At Paul Castle Associates, we have provided manpower and equipment for traffic surveys to be conducted across a wide range of applications, from construction planning to traffic management. Some of the most common areas where traffic surveys are used include:

Manual Classified Movement Surveys – Manual recordings of vehicle movements at intersections. Ideal for understanding junction performance, peak period flow, and supporting signal design or modification.

Automatic Traffic Count Surveys – Automatic recording of vehicle volumes, speeds, and classifications over extended periods.

Parking Beat Surveys – Systematic checks of defined parking zones, recording occupancy, duration, and turnover rates.

Radar Speed Gun Surveys – Handheld / Radar Box – Handheld radar technology units or radar boxes are used to measure vehicle speeds at specific locations.

Journey Time Surveys – Typically conducted using GPS-equipped vehicles or mobile tracking apps to measure how long it takes to travel along a specific route.

Non-Motorised User Surveys – Measuring the movements and behaviours of non-motorised traffic, including pedestrians and cyclists, etc.

Public Transport Surveys  – Observing and documenting the usage of public transport systems, including the volume of passengers and waiting times.

Vehicle Registration Surveys (ANPR) – Using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, these surveys capture vehicle registration plates to track movements across the network.

Traffic Surveys from Paul Castle Associates

Traffic surveys provide invaluable data that can be used to improve traffic management, parking solutions, and urban planning. For more information on what we can offer or to discuss your application, contact the team at Paul Castle Associates today.

News & Events

Paul Castle Associates at Traffex 2025

We are currently getting ready to attend Traffex 2025 – will we see you there?

Paul Castle Associates Wins Major TRICS Survey Contracts in South-West and West Midlands

Paul Castle Associates has secured two significant regional contracts to conduct TRICS transport surveys across the South-West and West Midlands

Paul Castle Associates Announces Revolutionary New Client Portal — Launching September 2025

Paul Castle Associates is gearing up to launch an exciting, game-changing client portal

What our clients say

“We have aligned ourselves with Paul Castle Associates since our inception in 2014. The quality of service we provide to our clients is inextricably linked to the support and abilities of our supporting supply chain, and I am happy say Paul and his team always deliver. The team have a can-do attitude, and we are grateful for their support, and our close working relationship. Long may that continue.”

Adam Padmore, Managing Director, Cotswold Transport Planning Ltd

“Your hard work and responsiveness have been invaluable in ensuring the success of our projects. We truly feel lucky to have you, and I want you to know how much we appreciate it.”

Deni Krevesic, Principal Transport Planner, Glanville

“We have been working with Paul and his colleagues since Paul Castle Associates began and have always received a first-class service with work delivered on time. There is no doubt that we will continue to work with Paul Castle Associates in the future and strongly recommend that others do the same.”

Rob Williams, Director, Entran Ltd

“Whenever possible we source our traffic survey data from Paul Castle Associates, as they always provide good quality data to the required timescales. Paul Castle Associates are adaptive to our needs and responsive. They are often able to provide helpful suggestions to optimise the data collection process, which saves cost and improves quality.”

Nick Bradshaw

“I have used Paul Castle Associates for a number of years and they provide a first rate service and are reasonably priced. The output results they provide are in a clear and easy to use format making it simple to input into reports, making my life that little bit easier.”

Melanie A'Lee, Associate Director, RPS

“Reliable, affordable and personable.”

Matt Thomas​, Director, Vectos

“We have aligned ourselves with Paul Castle Associates since our inception in 2014. The quality of service we provide to our clients is inextricably linked to the support and abilities of our supporting supply chain, and I am happy say Paul and his team always deliver. The team have a can-do attitude, and we are grateful for their support, and our close working relationship. Long may that continue.”

Adam Padmore, Managing Director, Cotswold Transport Planning Ltd

“Paul Castle is always available to help at short notice, flexible to cope with our workload and providing good quality data with minimal briefing.”

Sathish Nama, RHDHV

“We found Paul Castle Associates to be fast, reliable and proactive in their surveys for us.”

Dr Marwan AL-Azzawi, Sector Lead Director – Mobility & Strategic Planning, Advisory Group UK