What the hell are they doing?

[dave_c]

Maybe this is the wrong section to ask a question (maybe I'll go to motoring if this is not answered) anyway, I often see people (sometimes wearing reflective vests) with a clipboard or PDA standing in the pavement watching/monitering the the traffic and taking notes. I've always been wondering what their job and what they're really up ot and it's bugging me a bit.

[bloodycheap]

I've always thought it was to monitor traffic numbers, vehicle type and approx. speed of traffic flow.

[vehelpfulguy]

i

[Coobeastie]

As bloodycheap says its a census of traffic flow. They use the gathered data to plan traffic management, parking schemes, bus routes etc.

[qapmoc]

Hi dave, suppose the point is if nobody stands and watches the traffic flows etc... then how will they decide on improvements that might be needed.

[crumpeter]

Its probably someone who works for the local authority trying to look busy and intelligent!
On closer inspection of these individuals, you will see that it does'nt always work.