These black boxes attached to street sign posts in the Campbelltown CBD have been the subject of much speculation among residents in the past few weeks.
Several have contacted the South West Voice, both to alert us about the black boxes, as well as to ask us to investigate the matter that has produced such speculation.
This has included suggestions they are part of a Big Brother initiative to keep an eye on our movements as depicted in the George Orwell novel, 1984.
There have been even more outrageous suggestions, but the simple truth is that they are traffic counters.
The information they gather will be used to create a model that will guide future planning of roads and other transport infrastructure in the Campbelltown CBD.
This what Campbelltown Council have told us: “These boxes are traffic counters to assist in capturing data that will be used by Transport for NSW and Council as part of future transports needs in our city
“In particular, this data will assist with the development of our planning proposal for the City Centre.’’
Council said the installation of the black boxes will only be short term, with the data collection day on November 22.
Below is a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) list developed by council to answer residents’ concerns or enquiries.
What are the black boxes I’ve seen on street signs?
The black boxes are traffic counters that have been temporarily installed to collect the data required by Transport for NSW to develop a traffic model for the Campbelltown City Centre.
What data is being collected?
The data being collected enables Council and Transport for NSW to quantify the level of vehicle use across our street network. This includes counting the number of vehicles turning each direction at intersections, using key routes, and travelling to and from major destinations. The length of vehicle queues at intersections is also being measured, along with testing of usual travel times for journeys. The data collected by these devices will form the foundation of a traffic model for the City Centre, which is a State Government requirement for the preparation and assessment of a planning proposal for the City Centre.
Is the data that is being collected anonymous?
Yes. All data is de-identified and anonymous, with no personal or identifying information being collected.
How is the data being collected?
The data is being collected through a series of traffic counters (the ‘black boxes’) at intersections and destinations, sensor cables at three sites, and cars undertaking timed journeys along key routes.
When will the data be collected?
Data gathered by this equipment will be collected on November 22. The black boxes and other equipment will start to be removed from this date. The traffic data will be delivered to Council and Transport for NSW throughout November and December 2023.
How will the data be used?
The data being collected will set the scene for future planning, providing an evidence base to help identify the transport infrastructure our community needs. Specifically, the data will be used to develop a traffic model for the Campbelltown City Centre to inform a future planning proposal for the City Centre.
Why does Council need a traffic model?
A traffic model enables Council to make informed decisions about future transport infrastructure upgrades that may be required to support the community. A traffic model is also a State Government requirement for a future planning proposal for the City Centre, which Council is undertaking.
What is a traffic model?
In essence, a traffic model is a digital simulation of a physical transport network. It is built using data on current traffic patterns, and can be used to estimate future growth in transport usage and demand. A traffic model can be used to test different scenarios and interventions, such as estimating the traffic implications of changed land uses or infrastructure upgrades.
