Roadside survey of vehicle observations

The roadside survey is a survey of vehicles passing observation points on the UK road network. It uses automatic numberplate recognition (ANPR) cameras to capture registration marks at 256 sites during June each year (or every other from 2011 onwards).

The data are primarily used to create the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) evasion estimates, MOT non-compliance estimates and foreign-registered vehicles in traffic estimates.

These files present anonymised individual vehicle observation information by matching the captured registration mark with data held in the DVLA database. The files do not include registration mark, precise observation data / location, keeper name or keeper address details.

The data will be of use to anyone who wishes to understand the mix of vehicle types using British roads.

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
Last Updated July 7, 2026, 16:01 (UTC)
Created July 17, 2012, 13:43 (UTC)
Theme Transport