Traffic measurements are both time-consuming and expensive. Therefore it is desirable to maximise utilisation of the data obtained. One method of achieving this is to establish a record of traffic measurements which will be accessible by all traffic researchers and other users throughout the country. The aim of the planning project was to analyse how such a record should be designed, which variables and measurements it should contain, and where the record should be kept to facilitate acquisition of data. In addition, the costs of maintaining the record were to be calculated. To survey the need for such a record and also to obtain views and opinions on its structure, content, etc., representatives of traffic data users and measurement authorities were contacted. Most of their reactions were positive. The basic assumption was that the record should be accessible without restriction, and it was proposed that the Internet be used as search tool. For each traffic measurement, details would be provided on measuring site, measuring occasion, measuring variables, measuring method, road user category, road environment, speed limit, purpose of the measurement, and possible publication of the results. The record is proposed initially to be limited to observations of traffic in the road environment. It would not include any questionnaire surveys or travel habit surveys. Experiments such as measurements of test road users in traffic or pursuit measurements, and road data such as road condition observations would also be excluded. Updating the record is estimated to require one day a week. (A)
Abstract