Traffic Turning Movement Counts Analysis

Traffic Turning Movement Counts Analysis records vehicle movements at intersections to understand turning patterns. It aids in signal timing, road design, and traffic flow optimization.

What Are Turning Movement Counts?

Turning Movement Counts (TMC) are surveys that count the number of vehicles turning in different directions at an intersection—left, right, or straight. These counts help traffic engineers understand how traffic flows and make better decisions for road design and signal timings.

For example, at a busy four-way junction, TMC helps identify how many vehicles turn left, go straight, or turn right from each approach road.

Why Are Turning Movement Counts Important?

TMC data gives a clear picture of intersection traffic behavior. This helps in:

Planning traffic signals
Reducing delays and congestion
Improving road safety
Designing better road layouts
Planning pedestrian crossings

Without TMC data, city planners would be guessing how traffic behaves, which can lead to poor road design.

Where Are TMCs Conducted?

TMC surveys are usually carried out at:

Signalized intersections
Roundabouts
Stop-controlled intersections
School zones
Parking lot entrances/exits

They are especially important at high-traffic locations or where new road projects are planned.

How Are Turning Movement Counts Collected?

TMCs are usually conducted during peak traffic hours, such as:

Morning (7 AM – 10 AM)
Afternoon (12 PM – 3 PM)
Evening (4 PM – 7 PM)

They can be collected through:

Manual counts using tally sheets or clickers
Video cameras for later review
Automated software using Artificial Intelligence
Sensors and radar-based systems

Pro Tip: Accurate survey data is key to better planning. Explore professional traffic and household data collection services at Traffic Data Count.

Types of Movements Counted

At a standard four-way intersection, the following movements are typically recorded from each approach:

Left Turn
Through Movement (Straight)
Right Turn
Pedestrian Crossings (optional)

Manual vs. Automated TMCs

Feature	Manual TMC	Automated TMC
Cost	Low to Medium	Medium to High
Accuracy	Depends on observer skill	High with proper setup
Setup Time	Quick	Requires camera or sensor installation
Data Depth	Basic counts	Can include speed, class, timestamp
Ideal Use	Short-term, small locations	Long-term or complex intersections

Applications of Turning Movement Count Data

TMC data is useful in many areas of urban planning and traffic management:

Signal Timing Optimization
Traffic Simulation Models
Intersection Redesign Projects
Feasibility Studies for New Roads
Parking and Access Management
Environmental Impact Assessments

Benefits of Accurate TMC Data

Improved safety:

Helps reduce crash risks at intersections

Better traffic flow:

Allows signal plans that reduce waiting time

Informed decisions:

Supports long-term infrastructure development

Cost savings:

Avoids unnecessary construction or road changes

Our Process

Steps to Accurate Traffic Data Analysis

1. Data Collection & Analysis

We gather and analyze traffic data to provide actionable insights that improve flow and safety.

2. Management & Execution

Our team ensures seamless project management for timely, high-quality delivery.

3. Project Oversight & Delivery

We oversee every phase to ensure projects meet deadlines, budgets, and client requirements.

12+

Years of Experience

Our Legacy

Why Choose Traffic Data Count?

We are your trusted partner in traffic data analysis, offering expert solutions to support smarter urban development and transportation planning. Here’s why clients choose us:

Testimonials

Honest Reviews from our Customers

“We collaborated with this team for a detailed intersection analysis project in Munich. The turning movement count data was precise, well-documented, and delivered on time.”

“The analysis helped us optimize signal timing and reduce congestion effectively. Highly recommend their expertise for traffic engineering projects.”