Standard UK Vehicle Classification Scheme (COBA 7)

The COBA 7 classification scheme ensures all road users are consistently recorded in traffic surveys across the UK. Understanding the differences between similar-looking vehicles—especially in tricky cases like vans, ambulances, and minibuses—is key to collecting reliable traffic data.

Understanding Vehicle Types Used in UK Traffic Surveys

In the UK, traffic surveyors typically use the COBA 7 classification system to categorize vehicle movements at junctions, roundabouts, and road segments. This system helps ensure consistency and accuracy in traffic data collection.

Vehicle Categories Explained

🚗 Car (Car/Taxi)

Includes all small passenger vehicles, such as:

Cars, taxis, and people carriers
Minibuses (fewer than 16 seats)
Motorhomes and camper vans
Three-wheeled cars, SUVs, Land Rovers, and windowed ambulances
Cars towing trailers or caravans are still counted as one “Car”

🚚 LGV (Light Goods Vehicle)

Includes small delivery and service vehicles like:

Transit vans, pickups, and small panel vans
Ambulances without windows
Milk floats
LGVs towing a trailer or caravan are still counted as one “LGV”

Note: If the vehicle has side guards or four rear wheels, classify it as OGV1.

🚛 OGV 1 (Ordinary Goods Vehicle 1)

Larger rigid vehicles with two or three axles, including:

Box vans and medium trucks with double rear wheels
Road rollers, tractors (without trailers), large ambulances

If it has single rear wheels, classify as LGV

🚛 OGV 2 (Ordinary Goods Vehicle 2)

Includes all large freight vehicles such as:

Articulated lorries (HGVs)
Rigid trucks with four or more axles
OGV1s towing a trailer or caravan

🚌 PSV (Public Service Vehicle)

Includes any bus or public transport vehicle with a GVW over 3.5 tonnes, including:

Coaches, works buses, school buses
Vehicles with 16 seats or more

Small minibuses (under 16 seats) are classified as Cars.

🏍️ MC (Motorcycle)

All powered two-wheelers and sidecar motorcycles.

🚲 PC (Pedal Cycle)

All types of pedal-powered bicycles, including those carrying passengers.

⚠️ Common Areas of Confusion

🚐 Minibus vs. Small Bus

Minibus (under 16 seats) → Car category
Small bus (16+ seats) → PSV category

🚐 Van with Single vs. Double Rear Wheels

Single rear wheels → LGV
Double rear wheels → OGV1

If unsure, assume OGV1. Look at wheel rim shape—flat = LGV, concave = OGV1.

🚑 Ambulance Classification

Looks like a small van with windows → Car
Looks like a van without windows → LGV
Box van or larger ambulance with double rear wheels → OGV1

❗ Not Recording Vehicles

Record every motor vehicle, even if you’re unsure of the type.
If in doubt, pause the video, inspect, and make your best possible judgment.

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

Tips for Accurate Vehicle Classification

Always check rear wheel configuration on vans and trucks.
Minibuses under 16 seats = Car; 16+ seats = PSV.
Ambulances vary by size and design—observe the body shape and wheels.
If unsure, pause the video or make a note to review later.
Consistency is key—always follow the COBA 7 definitions when in doubt.

COBA 7 Vehicle Classification Table

Class	Vehicle Type	Description
Car	Car/Taxi	Passenger vehicles incl. SUVs, 3-wheel cars, etc.
LGV	Light Goods Vehicle	Small vans, transit vans, pickups
OGV1	Ordinary Goods Vehicle 1	Rigid 2-3 axle trucks with double rear wheels
OGV2	Ordinary Goods Vehicle 2	Articulated or 4+ axle trucks
PSV	Public Service Vehicle	Buses and coaches with 16+ seats
MC	Motorcycle	All two-wheeled motorbikes (with or without sidecar)
PC	Pedal Cycle	Bicycles and pedal-powered transport

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