Traffic surveys measure vehicle movements, volumes, and patterns to support road design, development approvals, and traffic signal planning across the UAE. Here is what a traffic survey involves and when your project needs one.
A traffic survey collects data on vehicle volumes, movements, and patterns at a specific location or road network — used to support road design, traffic signal timing, and development approval processes. In Dubai and across the UAE, a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) based on survey data is a standard requirement for new developments that will generate significant additional traffic.
Types of Traffic Survey Data Collected
- Vehicle counts — classified counts by vehicle type (car, truck, bus, motorcycle) at a location over a defined period
- Turning movement counts — recording how many vehicles turn left, right, or proceed straight through an intersection, essential for signal timing and junction design
- Speed studies — measuring vehicle speeds along a corridor to assess compliance and design appropriate traffic calming
- Origin-destination studies — tracking where vehicles enter and exit a network to understand travel patterns
- Pedestrian and cyclist counts — increasingly required alongside vehicle data for multi-modal transport planning
How Traffic Surveys Are Conducted
Traditional traffic surveys use trained enumerators with manual or electronic counters at fixed observation points, supplemented by video recording for turning movement analysis. Automatic traffic counters (pneumatic tubes or radar-based sensors) are used for longer-duration volume and speed studies where continuous data over several days or weeks is required. Modern surveys increasingly combine video-based automated vehicle classification with traditional manual counts for accuracy validation.
When Is a Traffic Impact Assessment Required in Dubai?
RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) typically requires a Traffic Impact Assessment for developments expected to generate significant additional trips — large residential communities, commercial centres, schools, and mixed-use developments. The TIA uses survey-collected baseline traffic data combined with projected trip generation from the new development to assess whether surrounding road infrastructure and intersections can accommodate the additional demand, and what mitigation measures (signal upgrades, turning lanes, etc.) may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a traffic survey take?
Standard peak-hour counts are typically collected over morning and evening peak periods across one to two typical weekdays. Longer studies for speed or volume trends may run continuously for a week or more using automatic counters.
Is a traffic survey required for all new developments?
Not all — smaller developments with minimal trip generation may not trigger a formal TIA requirement. RTA and local planning authorities assess this based on development size, use, and location; your survey company or traffic consultant can advise whether your specific project requires one.
Do you provide the full Traffic Impact Assessment report?
We collect and deliver the underlying survey data — vehicle counts, turning movements, and speed studies — in the format required for TIA submission, coordinating with your traffic consultant or preparing the assessment as part of an integrated service where required.
Al Warqa Survey Engineering provides traffic survey services across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the wider UAE. Contact us on +971 50 697 5361 to discuss your project's traffic study requirements.
Need a Survey in Dubai?
Al Warqa Survey Engineering — ISO 9001:2015 certified, operating since 2000. 15,000+ projects completed across the UAE and KSA.
Get a Free Quote