Harnessing Daypart Footfall Data

Daypart footfall data captures visitor numbers by time of day, providing a nuanced view of how foot traffic fluctuates from morning to night. This information is especially valuable for understanding daily engagement patterns across locations, from retail centres to town squares and high streets. Tracking when people engage with a space helps local authorities tailor resources and services to align with community behaviour, driving both economic activity and public satisfaction.

Using Daypart Data to Monitor Place Performance

Consider Newcastle City Centre: tracking daypart footfall over a year shows visitor trends from early morning to late at night. In this example, Newcastle sees the majority of its footfall in the afternoon and maintains strong evening and nighttime activity, largely due to its vibrant nightlife. Daypart data shows not only when people visit, but also offers insights into what may be driving engagement at certain times.

Comparing different locations within a region, such as Newcastle City Centre and Kingston Park Retail Centre, further highlights each area’s strengths. Kingston Park, for instance, might attract higher morning footfall, while the city centre sees greater nighttime traffic. This level of detail allows councils to adapt their strategies to support each location’s unique role in the local economy.

Informing Decisions with Daypart Footfall

Daypart data also helps local governments plan resources and policies more effectively. High morning activity in retail centres could encourage adjustments to parking, transport, and business operating hours, while robust evening footfall in city centres might support investment in nighttime safety measures and public transport options. By having this real-time information at their fingertips, local authorities can develop targeted interventions that respond to each area’s specific needs.

Moreover, the ability to track trends over multiple years—thanks to Huq’s dataset spanning back to January 2019—enables councils to measure the impact of past projects and forecast future needs. Comparing current daypart trends with those from previous years also provides context for understanding recovery from challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and helps guide the implementation of regeneration strategies.

Why Daypart Footfall Data is Essential for Thriving Local Economies

Daypart footfall data goes beyond simply tracking numbers; it offers a powerful, detailed view of community engagement, helping local authorities and BIDs to make data-driven decisions that enhance place performance. By understanding visitor behaviour throughout the day, councils can better support local businesses, improve public services, and strengthen the appeal of public spaces. Ultimately, this data is key to building vibrant, inclusive communities that meet the evolving needs of residents and visitors alike.