Traffic groups are collections of links (or sections) that have similar profiles for typically land use or ONRC class. Their purpose is to utilise smaller sample sizes to address links with no count history to update. This can be both either growth of traffic volume, assessing traffic mix or both. They can also be used to assign seasonal adjustment categories although these can vary with a group as they are assigned separately. It is important then that sections within the group have similar characteristics such that this analysis can take place.

This step is generally an accepted concept across several users in the industry. However it is important to note, there are a large variety of different approaches as to the extent and methodology as to how the groups are used across the industry! Effective the use of grouping typically is defined by the asset manager’s approach to how they wish to update the estimates. In summary, groups are very common, how they are used varies significantly. Groups should align with your traffic count strategy also.