What Is an Active Travel Zone Assessment?
An Active Travel Zone (ATZ) Assessment is a detailed planning report that evaluates how effectively a development supports walking, cycling, and other sustainable modes of transport within its surrounding area.
Unlike traditional transport reports that focus on traffic flow and vehicle impact, an ATZ planning assessment prioritises how people move through a place on foot or by bicycle. It considers accessibility, connectivity, safety, and the quality of the public realm to ensure developments are designed around people rather than cars.
A key part of this process is the active travel audit, which assesses the condition and usability of existing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. This includes reviewing footpaths, crossings, cycle routes, signage, lighting, and accessibility for all users.
The walking and cycling assessment examines how easily people can travel to nearby destinations such as schools, shops, transport hubs, and workplaces. It identifies barriers to movement and opportunities to improve connectivity.
In parallel, a sustainable transport assessment evaluates how the development contributes to reducing car dependency, lowering emissions, and supporting wider environmental and health objectives.
An ATZ assessment ultimately demonstrates that a development aligns with modern planning priorities by creating safe, accessible, and well-connected environments for active travel.
When Is It Required?
Active Travel Zone assessments are increasingly required by planning authorities as part of a broader push toward sustainable and healthy communities.
They are typically requested when developments need to demonstrate strong walking and cycling connectivity or where active travel forms a key part of local planning policy.
Common scenarios include:
• Residential developments where access to local amenities without a car must be demonstrated
• Urban developments in areas prioritising walkability and cycling infrastructure
• Education, healthcare, or community facilities with high pedestrian demand
• Mixed-use schemes aiming to reduce reliance on private vehicles
• Regeneration projects focused on improving public realm and accessibility
Many councils now expect an ATZ planning assessment alongside or integrated within planning submissions to ensure developments contribute positively to sustainable transport networks.
Who Needs an Active Travel Zone Assessment?
An ATZ assessment is essential for stakeholders aiming to deliver developments that align with modern planning and sustainability goals.
As a trusted Active Travel Zone assessment consultant, Capital TP supports a wide range of clients.
Typically, our services are required by:
• Developers delivering residential, commercial, or mixed-use schemes that must demonstrate sustainable accessibility
• Architects who need to integrate pedestrian and cycling infrastructure into site layouts and masterplans
• Planning consultants requiring a robust sustainable transport assessment to support planning applications
• Land promoters assessing site suitability and accessibility for future development
• Public sector organisations aiming to improve walking and cycling networks within their areas
Engaging an active travel strategy consultant early ensures that active travel is embedded into the design process rather than treated as an afterthought.
Our Process
Project Review & Site Understanding
We assess the development proposal, surrounding area, and planning context to define the scope of the ATZ planning assessment.
Policy & Guidance Review
We analyse relevant local and national policies to ensure the assessment aligns with active travel and sustainability requirements.
Baseline Walking and Cycling Analysis
Our team conducts a detailed walking and cycling assessment, reviewing existing routes, infrastructure, and accessibility to key destinations.
Active Travel Audit
A comprehensive active travel audit is undertaken to evaluate infrastructure quality, safety, and user experience.
Accessibility & Catchment Mapping
We map walking and cycling catchments to understand how the site connects to nearby services and transport hubs.
Gap Analysis
We identify missing links, safety concerns, and barriers to active travel that may affect the development.
Strategy Development
As an experienced active travel strategy consultant, we develop practical recommendations to improve connectivity and encourage sustainable travel behaviour.
Reporting & Planning Support
We produce a clear, policy-compliant ATZ planning assessment report that supports planning approval and demonstrates sustainable transport integration.
What Is Included in an ATZ Planning Assessment?
Active Travel Audit
A detailed audit of existing infrastructure, including footways, crossings, and cycle routes, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
Walking and Cycling Assessment
Analysis of route quality, connectivity, safety, and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.
Accessibility to Key Destinations
Assessment of how easily users can reach schools, shops, employment areas, and public transport within walkable and cyclable distances.
Connectivity and Network Integration
Evaluation of how well the development links into existing walking and cycling networks.
Public Realm and User Experience
Consideration of environmental factors such as lighting, safety, and comfort that influence active travel choices.
Sustainable Transport Assessment
Review of how the development supports wider sustainability goals, including reducing car use and promoting healthier lifestyles.
Infrastructure Improvement Recommendations
Practical proposals to enhance active travel, such as improved crossings, new cycle routes, or better pedestrian connections.
Integration with Travel Planning
Alignment with Travel Plans to encourage long-term behavioural change towards walking and cycling.
Planning & Policy Context
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
The NPPF promotes sustainable transport and prioritises walking and cycling in development planning.
Department for Transport Guidance
National guidance supports the creation of safe, accessible, and inclusive active travel environments.
Local Authority Policies
Many councils now require developments to demonstrate strong active travel credentials through an ATZ planning assessment.
Active Travel Strategies
Local and regional strategies prioritise walking and cycling infrastructure as part of wider sustainability goals.
Environmental and Health Objectives
ATZ assessments support policies aimed at improving air quality, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting healthier communities.
How Long It Takes?
The timeframe for an ATZ assessment depends on the size and complexity of the development.
Typical durations include:
• Small developments: 1–2 weeks
• Medium developments: 2–3 weeks
• Large or complex schemes: 3–5 weeks
Additional surveys or stakeholder engagement may extend timelines where required.
Local Authority Requirements
Planning authorities increasingly expect developments to prioritise active travel and demonstrate how they contribute to sustainable transport networks.
An ATZ planning assessment helps authorities evaluate whether a development provides safe, accessible, and well-connected routes for pedestrians and cyclists.
Authorities typically review:
• Walking and cycling accessibility
• Route safety and quality
• Connectivity to key destinations
• Integration with existing infrastructure
• Opportunities for improvement
Working with an experienced Active Travel Zone assessment consultant ensures your submission meets these expectations and supports a smooth planning process.
Why Choose Capital TP?
Specialist Active Travel Knowledge
We specialise in active travel audits, walking and cycling assessments, and ATZ planning assessments.
Planning-Focused Expertise
Our work is aligned with planning requirements, ensuring your application meets policy expectations.
Practical Solutions
As an active travel strategy consultant, we provide realistic, implementable recommendations.
Early Project Support
We help identify opportunities and constraints at the earliest stages of development.
Proven Experience
Our team has experience across a wide range of development types and locations.
Collaborative Approach
We work closely with developers, architects, and planners to integrate active travel into every stage of the project.
Areas We Serve
Capital TP provides Active Travel Zone assessment consultant services across London and surrounding areas.
Inner London:
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Camden
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Greenwich
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Hackney
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Hammersmith and Fulham
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Islington
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Kensington and Chelsea
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Lambeth
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Lewisham
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Southwark
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Tower Hamlets
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Wandsworth
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Westminster
Outer London:
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Barking and Dagenham
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Barnet
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Bexley
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Brent
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Bromley
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Croydon
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Ealing
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Enfield
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Haringey
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Harrow
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Havering
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Hillingdon
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Hounslow
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Kingston upon Thames
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Merton
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Newham
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Redbridge
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Richmond upon Thames
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Sutton
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Waltham Forest
Additional Areas:
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City of London
Get in Touch
Capital Transport Planning provides expert ATZ planning assessments, helping you deliver developments that prioritise walking, cycling, and sustainable transport.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements and receive guidance from experienced Section 278 highway agreement consultants.