Why Transport Assessments are Essential for Planning Applications?

When submitting a planning application, most developers focus on architecture, layout, and land use — but local councils look far beyond the visuals. One of the first questions a highways or planning officer asks is: How will people access and travel to and from the site?

This is where a Transport Assessment (TA) becomes not just helpful, but often essential.

Transport Assessment Consultants examine the potential impacts a proposed development could have on the highway network — including roads, footways, cycle routes, public transport, parking, and wider infrastructure. They identify potential issues, propose mitigation measures, and aim to demonstrate that the scheme can operate safely and sustainably.

Across the UK, a well-prepared Transport Assessment is often the difference between planning approval and refusal.

What Exactly Is a Transport Assessment?

A Transport Assessment is a comprehensive, evidence-based report that evaluates the transport-related impacts of a new development. It provides both the applicant and the planning authority with a clear understanding of how the development will function in terms of  trip generation, accessibility, highway safety, parking and sustainability.

A Transport Assessment may include but not be limited to:

1. Baseline Transport Conditions

• Existing traffic flows

• Junction performance and capacity

• Road safety records (5-year collision data)

• Available walking and cycling routes

• Public transport accessibility and frequencies

• Existing parking conditions

• Current site access arrangements

This baseline forms the foundation for understanding the existing impacts associated with the site.

2. Forecasted Trip Generation

Using industry-standard tools such as TRICS®, Census data and or survey data, trip generation may include information on:

• How many vehicle trips will be generated

• Peak hour impacts

• Mode share (car, public transport, walk, cycle)

• Servicing, delivery and refuse vehicle movements
  

These forecasts help planners understand the scale of impact the development may introduce relating to arrivals and departures.

3. Traffic Impact Analysis

TA’s can model how increased traffic affects:

• Junction capacity and queue lengths

• Delays and potential network stress

• Turning movements and access arrangements

• Interactions with sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals or narrow residential streets
  

Where required, transport models such as PICADY, ARCADY, LINSIG, VISSIM or microsimulation tools are used to provide robust analysis.

4. Proposed Access Arrangements

It is vital that details of the following are examined at an early stage:

• Site access points

• Visibility splays

• Entry/exit design

• Emergency access

• Internal road layout

Access is one of the most important issues reviewed by Highway Authorities to ensure highway safety is maintained.

5. Parking Strategy

Developers must ensure that the parking needs of a development are met especially to prevent impacts to the public highway. The TA will ensure accordance with:

• Local parking standards

• Disabled parking requirements

• EV charging infrastructure legislation

• Cycle parking guidance

6. Sustainable and Active Travel Strategy

Development proposals must ensure that future users have access to public transportation and the ability to travel to and from the site by active travel. The TA will explore and seek to provide:

• Walking routes and pedestrian improvements

• Cycle connectivity and storage

• Proximity to bus and rail services

• Measures to reduce reliance on private vehicles

7. Mitigation Measures

Should the TA identify significant impacts, mitigation measures will be suggested that may include but not be limited to:

• Footway widening

• Cycle infrastructure enhancements

• Junction improvements

• Signal optimisation

• Travel Plan measures

• Parking management strategies

Mitigation demonstrates that the development can operate safely without detriment to the operation or safety of the public highway.

When Do You Need a Transport Assessment?

The requirement for a TA depends on multiple factors including the scale of the development, the site location, accessibility, trip generation, etc.

Common reasons for requiring a Transport Assessment:

• Residential schemes above ~80–100 units

• Commercial developments generating significant traffic

• Supermarkets or retail parks

• Schools, healthcare facilities, or leisure centres

• Mixed-use developments

• Sites with constrained access

• Developments near sensitive junctions

Planning Policy Requirements include:

• Guidance on Transport Assessment (DfT/TfL)

• National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

• Local Plan Transport Policies

Some councils also publish their own thresholds for requiring a TA, whereas smaller schemes may only need a Transport Statement (TS).

Final Thoughts

Transport Assessments are far more than a planning requirement — they are a vital tool for creating safe, functional, and sustainable developments. They help identify potential issues early, support good design, and provide the evidence local authorities need to make informed decisions.

For developers, a high-quality TA can speed up planning approval, reduce objections, cut long-term costs, and ensure compliance with local and national policy.

If you’re preparing a planning application, partnering with experienced transport planning consultants ensures your scheme is supported by robust evidence — giving your project the strongest possible foundation for success.