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Transport sensors

Sensors are located around the city to measure transport counts. Find out where they are and about the data collected.

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

The sensors replace our manual methods of collecting transport 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 transport 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

Transport 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.

Example of a video frame and data captured by a sensor

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 transport 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):

  • Abel Smith Street / Willis Street
  • Adelaide Road / Luxford Street
  • Bowen Street / Tinakori Road
  • Cambridge Terrace / Buckle Street
  • Cambridge Terrace / Courtenay Place
  • Chaytor Street / Birdwood Street
  • Cuba Street / Karo Drive
  • Customhouse Quay / Waring Taylor Street
  • Everton Terrace / Boulcott Street
  • Featherston Street / Johnston Street
  • Featherston Street / Whitmore Street
  • Ghuznee Street / Willis Street
  • Hutt Road / Jarden Mile / SH1 / SH2
  • Hutt Road / Kaiwharawhara Road
  • Jervois Quay / Queens Wharf / Grey Street
  • Johnsonville Road / Broderick Road
  • Karori Road / Hatton Street
  • Karori Road / Homewood Street
  • Karori Road / South Karori Road
  • Kent Terrace / Elizabeth Street
  • Kent Terrace / Majoribanks Street
  • Lambton Quay / Midland Park
  • Lambton Quay / Willis Street
  • Lambton Quay / Woodward Street
  • Miramar Avenue / Shelly Bay Road
  • Ohiro Road / Cleveland Street
  • Rintoul Street/ Riddiford Street
  • Rongotai Road / Onepu Road
  • Salamanca Road / The Terrace
  • South Karori Road / Allington Road
  • Taranaki Street / Buckle Street
  • Taranaki Street / Manners Street / Dixon Street
  • Tinakori Road / Park Street
  • Waterloo Quay / Bunny 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.