Revision of Traffic Flow Pattern Types with Respect to Traffic Regularities

This paper on traffic flow patterns is part of the research carried out by the Institute for Transport Studies, Hungary, in 2006. The authors present the methodology and results used for the determination of the traffic flow pattern type groups used in cross-sectional road traffic counts. They used road traffic data from the years 2003-2005 to define new traffic pattern type groups for the estimation of the AADT (Annual Average Daily Traffic) of the national highways. The study include analysis of the yearly and weekly traffic flows, periods of the day, and the traffic character at the border crossing stations. The authors conclude that this classification of the almost 4,500 auxiliary stations data into new traffic type groups results in greater accuracy for assessment and planning; they recommend the study series be conducted at least every 5 years.