Traffic area runoff waters are polluted by several organic and inorganic substances. The most concerning inorganicsubstances are the heavy metals zinc, copper, lead, nickel, chromium and cadmium. The discharge concentration intraffic area runoff waters depends on site-specific factors, which are composed of fixed-site conditions of the drainagearea and climatic conditions, and method-specific influencing factors. These factors also determine the partitioning ofheavy metals between the dissolved and the particulate phase. This distinction is relevant for the evaluation of therunoff toxicity and for its management in two-stage treatment plants. Historical trends and the impact of the trafficarea categories parking lots, roads and highways on European runoff concentrations are described and evaluated.