The movements as classifications of vehicles through a junction are recorded over a specific time period. The data obtained can be used in decision making at both planning level and operational analysis level regarding the layout and design of the roadway, signage and signalling installation, capacity analysis, traffic circulation patterns, pavement marking and signal timing.
Bicycle and pedestrian movements may also be included in the studies.
Junction turning counts may use video technology or be conducted manually. For video counts the placement and number of cameras is determined by the layout and size of the junction. When manual counts are used, the number of people counting the vehicle movements will depend on the design of the junction and the level of traffic volume.
Traffic modellers tend to regard peak flow periods as especially important.