The quality of a traffic study is only as good as its data. Any model or analysis, however advanced, will not give correct results if it is built on incomplete or outdated figures. The procedural guide does not settle for counting vehicles; it asks for a complete picture of the surrounding network: road geometry, intersections, parking, public transport and future projects. This guide explains the required data sources, the trip distribution methods, the trip generation calculation, and how to make sure your consultant collects the data as it should be.
Data Sources
| Data | How it is collected |
|---|---|
| Traffic volumes on streets | Automatic counts for 7 days × 24 hours |
| Intersection movements and vehicle classification | Manual counts for 3 days at peak times |
| Road geometry | Geometric measurements: number of lanes, road type and speed limit |
| Intersections | The control type at each intersection, number of lanes and details |
| Existing parking | Locations, type, number and no-parking zones |
| Public transport | Taxi stands and public transport in the study area |
| Future projects | Projects approved by the municipality but not yet built |
On count timing specifically: Traffic counts: why timing matters.
Trip Distribution
The guide sets two methods for distributing generated trips:
- The transport demand model prepared by the municipality, in coordination with it to access the model.
- The distribution of a similar project within the study area from a previous study.
Calculating Generated Trips
It relies on trip generation rates using equations with the project unit or area as the independent variable, and the guide refers to the methodology of the Trip Generation Manual published by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (11th edition), with a table in the report of inbound and outbound traffic for each use in the morning and evening periods.
The result of this calculation is what sets the study's level and scope. Read: When do you need a traffic study? and Peak hours.
From Data to Analysis
- Collecting current data and assessing the current level of service.
- Adding the generated trips and distributing them over the network.
- Adding future projects and growth up to the horizon year.
- Analysing the level of service and proposing improvements. Read: Traffic simulation.
Common Data Collection Mistakes
- Counting during a holiday or Ramadan.
- Omitting approved future projects in the area.
- A narrow geographic scope that does not include affected intersections.
- Not surveying existing parking and no-parking zones.
Read: Why traffic studies are rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cameras and modern technologies used?
The guide sets the type and duration of counts; the consultant chooses the technical tool that achieves the required accuracy.
Who provides the transport model?
The municipality, in coordination with which access is arranged.
Who sets the study's geographic scope?
The consultant, within the methodology approved by the municipality.
Can data from a similar project be relied on?
The guide lists the distribution of a similar project within the study area as one of the two trip distribution methods.
Who is responsible for data accuracy?
The owner's consultant is responsible for the accuracy of the count and generated traffic data, according to the guide.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office that collects complete traffic data in line with the procedural guide, from automatic and manual counts to surveys of parking, public transport and future projects, and turns it into accurate analysis. See our traffic count and data collection service, or contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.