VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM: FHWA PERSPECTIVE

Issues related to vehicle classification in light of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Traffic Monitoring Guide (TMG) revision will be discussed. The discussion will look at the expressed needs of the data users and the associated impacts on data collection programs including the relationship of vehicle classification data collection to traffic volume and vehicle weight data collection efforts. Background information will be provided discussing the evolution of the vehicle classification data collection program reflected in the draft TMG from the perspectives of both the intensity of the data collection effort as well as the identification of the set of vehicle types that most effectively responds to data user needs. The overarching need to establish consistent procedures that enhance data quality will be emphasized.