Traffic Data Collection/Request
York Region collects traffic data at predetermined locations to support transportation planning and road design. This data also helps identify and prioritize locations on our roads where safety improvements are most needed. This can include intersections, highways, or specific streets. The traffic data collected relates to the amount of pedestrian and vehicle traffic on Regional roads, including types of vehicles and their operating characteristics.
Submit a Traffic Data Request
Traffic data is available to the public for a administration fee. Submit a request below, and you'll be contacted within three business days to confirm availability and any additional requirements.
Annual Traffic Counting Program
The Region’s annual counting program has two main components:
- Intersection Traffic Counts
- Typically referred to as a Turning Movement Count, these counts record vehicles entering and exiting intersections, including the directions they turn and number of pedestrians in the crosswalks
- This data is used to analyze traffic flow, design intersections, and determine plans for our roads
- Road Section Traffic Counts
- These counts record traffic volumes, speeds and vehicle types on road sections
- This data is critical for analyzing travel trends and guiding transportation planning initiatives
How do we determine locations for data collection?
Unsignalized intersections are counted at least once every three years and road sections are counted at least once every two years. Each year, a list of intersections and road sections for data collection is developed from this schedule.
Additionally, York Region will count other locations outside of the predetermined list based on operational needs throughout the year.
2025 Annual Counting Program Locations
Traffic Data Collection Methods
Traffic data is collected using different methods and technology, depending on the type of data and intended use.
Automatic Traffic Recorder (ATR) equipment is used to count traffic on roads. It works by placing rubber tubes across the road connected to a roadside counting device. When vehicles drive over the tubes, the device records information, such as how many vehicles passed, how fast they were going and the type of vehicle (for example, a car, motorcycle or bus). ATR equipment is portable and is relocated to different locations as needed. For each study, ATR data is typically collected over seven days.
Permanent Count Station (PCS) equipment is set up in one location and stays there all the time. Vehicle detection is installed below the surface or on a pole adjacent to the road. This equipment helps track how traffic changes on different days and months. This information can be used to better understand or adjust data collected on a specific day.
Manual data collection is used when traffic is too complicated for automated systems or may require special judgment. In these cases, trained staff go to the site and record what they see using field sheets or handheld devices.
Traffic cameras are a cost effective and innovative way to collect data. Portable traffic cameras are mounted on poles beside the road and placed high enough to capture traffic clearly. Special software analyzes the video to extract useful traffic information. The cameras are set up to avoid capturing personal details such as license plates and travellers’ faces. They are typically used for short-term studies, lasting between 24 to 72 hours.
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Available Traffic Data Types and Fees
- Intersection traffic count (TMC): $120
- Signal timing plans: $120
- Traffic signal timing letter: $390
Road section data:
- Road segment volume count: $160
- Road segment vehicle classification count: $160
- Road segment vehicle speed count: $160
- Regional road Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) listings: $160
- Noise study dataset: $79
