If you see one tube, it typically measures volume — the number of cars passing per day.
If you see two tubes placed parallel, the setup can measure:
Speed
Vehicle classification (car vs. truck)
Direction of travel
Discover more
vehicle
Cables
Electrical cable
vehicles
cables
vehicle’s
Vehicle
Filet Mignon
Groceries
French cuisine
Traffic spacing and flow patterns
Why Traffic Counting Matters
Traffic counts help planners answer important questions:
1. How busy is this road?
Data helps determine whether a road needs widening, resurfacing, or additional traffic control.
2. Do we need a stop sign or traffic light?
High accident rates plus traffic counts help justify changes.
3. How fast are vehicles actually driving?
Speed data helps evaluate whether limits are being ignored or need adjustment.
4. How much heavy-truck traffic uses the street?
Truck volume contributes to road wear and impacts noise and pollution levels.
5. Planning for future growth
Cities use the data when designing neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and public transit routes.
Temporary and Subtle — By Design
Pneumatic tubes are temporary because they are meant to collect short-term samples. The equipment is easy to install and remove, especially on roads where permanent sensors would be too expensive or unnecessary.
They also allow crews to gather data without digging into asphalt or interrupting traffic.
They’re Safe — Even If They Make Noise Under Your Tires
Drivers sometimes worry about damaging their car or hitting something electrical, but the tubes are harmless. At most, you’ll hear a soft thump-thump as you pass over them.
They contain air, not electricity.
Next Time You See Them
Now you’ll know exactly what’s happening: your vehicle is contributing to traffic science. The simple act of driving over those black tubes helps shape road improvements, city planning, and community safety.
