The Evaluation of Common Traffic Counting Methods and Equipment in Road Transportation in Iran

Providing accurate and up-to-date information on traffic of various vehicles in the road network helps the appropriate optimization and development of road transportation system considerably. Traditionally, different techniques, including field observation and statistical data recording, have been used to gather information on counting traffic in different roads. The aim of this paper is to determine the optimal method and equipment for traffic counting regarding environmental conditions, cost, and type of the road in Iran. To do so, common methods of traffic counting in Iran are first examined, and then automatic revelation equipment used in the national transportation system and their application are evaluated. Next, advantages and disadvantages of traffic counting equipment regarding condition of road network are analyzed, so that optimal application of such equipments is specified. Finally, the most suitable electronic equipment in traffic counting for Iran transportation network are classified and recommended based on various conditions and type of the road.