Traffic counting sensors

We’re installing sensors around Pōneke that measure traffic counts and analyse how people are moving across the city.

The sensors replace our manual methods of collecting traffic data, which were time-consuming and did not provide the level of data needed to make effective decisions. Using this technology means we can collect more data across more areas in the city.

Collecting traffic data

For cars, trucks, bikes, scooters, buses and pedestrians, the sensors will:

• accurately count moving people and vehicles
• record stop times, such as at intersections
• record turning movements
• capture how they move through spaces and speed.

How the sensors work

Traffic data is collected in an anonymous way. Each sensor captures the path of objects as they move across its field of view. The video frames are blurred, so individual people and vehicle registration numbers are not identified by the sensors. 

Objects are counted and classified into different categories, such as pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooters and vehicle types. Volumes and speeds are recorded as the objects pass over count lines and zones that have been programmed into the sensor.

Only anonymous data is transmitted and stored, and video frames are deleted.

Data storage

Most of the footage captured by the sensors is processed and discarded within seconds. The exception is where a small amount of footage is recorded during the initial setup of the sensor to make sure it’s working correctly.  And then occasionally for validation purposes.

This footage will be held securely by our supplier, VivaCity, and will only be viewed by authorised people to validate that the sensor is working correctly if it's damaged. It will be deleted at the end of our partnership.

The sensors are not designed or intended to be surveillance technology. No attempt will be made to identify individual people or vehicles from sensor data.

Using the data

The Council will use the traffic data collected by the sensors to:

• provide insights on how Wellington’s transport network is used
• make decisions on transport strategies and city planning
• monitor economic and transport impacts during construction in the city
• better understand how people are using our streets, for example, using bus stops, visiting businesses, or where people prefer to cycle.

This data can be combined with other data sets, such as weather conditions, retail spend, and road closures, for better informed decision making. 

Locations

Sensors are mostly positioned on street lights and traffic signal poles. Signs are displayed at each location, so you know a sensor is operating.

 Sensors are at these locations so far. More sensors will be installed over time.

• Adelaide Road / Luxford Street
• Cambridge Terrace / Buckle Street
• Cambridge Terrace / Courtenay Place
• Chaytor Street / Birdwood Street
• Churchill Drive / Blackbridge Road
• Featherston Street / Whitmore Street
• Grant Road / Park Street
• Hutt Road / Jarden Mile
• Hutt Road / Kaiwharawhara Road
• Karori Road / Hatton Street
• Karori Road / Homewood Avenue
• Karori Road / South Karori Road
• Lambton Quay / Willis Street
• Lambton Quay / Woodward Street
• Miramar Ave / Shelly Bay Road
• Rintoul Street / Riddiford Street
• Rongotai Road / Onepu Road
• Taranaki Street / Manners Street

Partner

We’ve partnered with VivaCity to install the sensors. VivaCity is an experienced and award-winning company, renowned for its privacy-by-design approach and highly accurate sensor technology.