trafikktype

trafikktype is a classification concept used in transport planning to describe the nature of traffic flows on a road network. In Swedish planning literature the more common term is trafiktyp, but trafikktype appears as a variant spelling in some datasets and documentation. The idea is to group movements by mode and purpose to support analysis, modeling, and decision making.

Common categories often include passenger traffic (persontrafik), freight traffic (godstrafik), public transport, cycling, and pedestrians. Some classification schemes combine motorized and non-motorized modes into broader groups, while others separate heavy goods vehicles from light vehicles. Additional subdivisions may cover time of day, trip purpose, or vehicle type, depending on the data source and the needs of the study.

Data sources used to determine trafikktype include roadside counters, loop detectors, camera-based counts, GPS traces, and travel surveys. In many models, observed traffic is assigned a trafikktyp to produce mode-specific volumes, speeds, and occupancy estimates. This supports capacity analysis, intersection design, safety assessments, and policy evaluation, such as the impact of new bicycle infrastructure or changes in public transport service.

Applications of the concept include planning new infrastructure, calibrating traffic simulations, and producing reports for authorities. Clear definitions and consistent categorization help ensure comparability across projects and agencies, facilitating coordinated transport planning and data sharing.