Have you ever wondered about the black cables on the road silently collecting data? These inconspicuous wires are portable traffic counters crucial for traffic control and planning.

Using pneumatic technology, these cables generate an electrical signal when a vehicle passes over them, recording volume, speed, direction, and vehicle type. Municipalities use the collected data to make decisions on signage, speed limits, and budget allocation, improving road efficiency and safety.

These cables serve various purposes, offering rapid insights through temporary setups and ongoing monitoring with permanent systems. Placed strategically in straight road sections to minimize interference, they address urban challenges like speeding and shortcutting, aiding in transportation budgeting and solution execution.

The next time you spot these black cables, remember they silently shape the future of transportation networks, guiding decisions and ensuring smooth traffic flow. They do more than look good; they are essential data collectors with a critical role in transportation planning.