Ever wondered what those tubes on the road are?

What are traffic counts and why do we do them?

Traffic counts are counts of vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians to see the movement of people through the municipality. We conduct various types of counts that collect different types of data that can be used for general information and engineering reviews. The information that we collect also helps us to make decisions on when and where to make changes to traffic signals, installing or updating pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, as well as locations to add traffic-calming measures.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How often are streets counted?
  • Major and collector level streets are counted on a 5-year rotation. Residential streets are typically only counted if we have an upcoming project, have received a complaint about the street, or have concerns about the street due to nearby changes.
• What does the data mean?
  • Traffic counts are completed to give us an idea of what the traffic is doing at a specific location. They help us to make decisions about locations and what changes – if any – should be made.
• Why is there no data for my street?
  • Typically only Major and Collector level roads are counted on a recurring basis this is because typical trends on residential roads are quite stable unless there has been a significant change in the neighbourhood. Some residential roads are counted if they are identified as a concern or if there has been changes to major roads in the vicinity. If you feel a traffic count is required on your street please email us at engineering@saanich.ca to request a count.

Protection of privacy

No personal information is collected as part of our traffic count data collection efforts in adherence to BC's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Map disclaimer

This map is for information purposes only and should not be considered authoritative for construction, geotechnical, engineering, navigational, legal, or other site-specific uses. Information presented in this map is owned by the Transportation Section of the Engineering Department of the District of Saanich. Accuracy is not guaranteed. Data figures were compiled from the most recent vehicle count. Produced: December 2, 2020, by the Transportation Section of the Engineering Department of the District of Saanich.

Data disclaimer

The data presented here is for information purposes only and should not be considered authoritative for construction, geotechnical, engineering, navigational, legal, or other site-specific uses. The information shared is owned by the Transportation Division of the Engineering Department at the District of Saanich. Accuracy is not guaranteed.