Why do I see old people in cars wearing illiminated jackets with clipboards watching traffic at a t-junction. are they counting or seeing who isn't indicating or what?
traffic survey to collate the amount of traffic using a particular route and also to break down how many lorries cars busses etc.
sometimes its to evaluate whether a road is in need of improving ie making into a dual carriageway or could also be in response to a request for a pedestrian crossing on that strech of road
baz
And if they are old people, it could be that your area council are similar to ours, and offer part-time work in traffic control/safety/census to retired people.
It's a good little pocket money earner for the retirees!