What Is a Transport Assessment or Transport Statement?
A Transport Assessment (TA) or Transport Statement (TS) is a technical report submitted with a planning application to evaluate how a proposed development will affect the surrounding transport network. These reports examine how people will travel to and from the site and whether the local infrastructure can accommodate the expected increase in traffic.
A transport impact assessment typically considers multiple elements, including traffic generation, access arrangements, public transport accessibility, walking and cycling connectivity, road safety, and parking provision. The objective is to demonstrate that the development integrates safely and efficiently with the existing transport network.
When Is It Required?
Local planning authorities require transport assessments when a development is likely to affect the performance or safety of the transport network. The scale at which a TA or TS becomes necessary varies between councils, but general thresholds are provided in national planning guidance.
Typical scenarios where TA and TS reports are required include:
• Residential developments with a significant number of dwellings
• Office or commercial developments generating commuter travel
• Retail or leisure developments attracting high visitor volumes
• Logistics or industrial sites producing heavy vehicle movements
• Mixed-use schemes located in constrained urban areas
Transport Assessment vs Transport Statement
Transport Assessment (TA)
• Typically required for medium to large developments
• Includes detailed trip generation and distribution analysis
• Often requires junction capacity modelling and traffic forecasting
• May involve traffic surveys and transport data collection
• Evaluates impacts on the local road network and public transport
• Identifies mitigation measures such as junction improvements or access design changes
• Demonstrates compliance with national and local transport planning policies
Transport Statement (TS)
• Suitable for smaller developments with lower trip generation
• Provides a high-level assessment of transport conditions
• Usually does not require complex traffic modelling
• Focuses on site access, parking provision, and local road safety
• Uses existing transport data and simplified trip estimates
• Confirms the development aligns with planning policy expectations
• Demonstrates that the development will not create significant traffic or safety issues for the surrounding transport network.
Who Needs a Transport Assessment?
A Transport Assessment is commonly required by professionals involved in the planning and development process when preparing a planning application or evaluating the transport implications of a proposed development. As experienced Transport Assessment consultants, Capital TP provides reliable planning transport assessment support to a range of stakeholders who need robust transport evidence to support their projects.
Typically, a Transport Assessment is required by:
• Developers planning residential, commercial, or mixed-use projects that require a transport assessment for planning application approval.
• Architects who need early input from transport planning consultants to ensure site access, parking layouts, and sustainable travel considerations are integrated into the design.
• Planning consultants who rely on professionally prepared TA and TS reports to provide technical transport evidence for planning submissions.
• Land promoters assessing development potential and preparing transport impact assessment studies to support strategic land promotion and local plan submissions.
Our Process
Initial Consultation & Project Review
We begin by reviewing the development proposal, site location, and planning context to determine whether a Transport Assessment or Transport Statement is required. This stage provides early planning transport assessment support and identifies potential transport issues.
Scoping with Planning Authorities
Where necessary, we engage with local planning authorities and highway authorities to agree the scope of the transport assessment for planning application submissions and confirm the level of analysis required.
Baseline Transport Analysis
Our team evaluates the existing transport conditions around the site, including road networks, traffic volumes, pedestrian routes, cycling infrastructure, and public transport accessibility.
Trip Generation & Distribution
Using recognised industry datasets and forecasting tools, we estimate how many trips the development will generate and how they will be distributed across the surrounding transport network.
Transport Impact Assessment
We analyse how the additional trips may affect nearby junctions, road capacity, safety, and sustainable travel options as part of the overall transport impact assessment.
Mitigation & Sustainable Transport Strategies
If impacts are identified, we propose practical mitigation measures such as access improvements, junction upgrades, travel planning strategies, and sustainable transport initiatives.
Preparation of TA and TS Reports
Finally, we prepare detailed TA and TS reports that present our findings clearly and align with planning policy, supporting the planning authority in assessing the development proposal.
What Is Included in a Transport Assessment?
Trip Generation Analysis
Trip generation estimates the number of vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist, and public transport trips a development will produce. Using recognised industry datasets and forecasting tools, our transport planning consultants assess how travel demand will change once the development becomes operational.
Traffic Modelling and Network Analysis
For developments that generate significant movement, traffic modelling is used to evaluate how additional trips will affect nearby roads and junctions. This stage of the transport impact assessment may involve junction capacity analysis, traffic flow forecasting, and scenario testing to determine whether mitigation measures are required.
Parking Analysis and Parking Stress Surveys
Parking demand is an important consideration in many planning applications. We analyse parking provision on the development site and in surrounding streets to ensure adequate capacity. Where necessary, we conduct Parking Stress Surveys to assess existing parking pressure and determine whether additional demand can be accommodated.
Site Access and Highway Design
Safe and efficient site access is a key element of any transport assessment for planning application approval. Our consultants evaluate proposed access arrangements for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists and provide professional Highway Design recommendations where improvements are required.
Pedestrian and Active Travel Assessments
Modern planning policy prioritises sustainable transport. Our assessments review walking and cycling infrastructure around the site and identify opportunities to improve accessibility. Where required, we undertake Pedestrian Assessments to evaluate crossing points, footway conditions, and connectivity to nearby destinations.
Travel Planning and Sustainable Transport Measures
To encourage sustainable travel behaviour, developments may include a Travel Plan outlining measures that promote walking, cycling, car sharing, and public transport use. These strategies support local planning policies that aim to reduce reliance on private vehicles.
Construction Logistics and Delivery Planning
For larger developments, transport considerations extend beyond the operational phase. A Construction Logistics Plan may be prepared to manage construction traffic, delivery schedules, and vehicle movements during the build phase, helping minimise disruption to the surrounding road network.
Mitigation Measures and Transport Improvements
If potential transport impacts are identified, our transport planning consultants develop mitigation strategies to address them. These may include junction upgrades, improved access layouts, parking management strategies, or sustainable travel initiatives that ensure the development integrates safely with the local transport system.
Planning & Policy Context
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
The NPPF requires developments that generate significant movement to be supported by appropriate transport evidence. A transport assessment for planning application approval demonstrates that developments will not create severe impacts on the transport network.
Department for Transport Guidance
Guidance from the Department for Transport outlines best practices for preparing TA and TS reports, including trip generation analysis, traffic forecasting, and sustainable travel considerations.
Local Planning Authority Requirements
Each council may set its own validation requirements and thresholds for when a Transport Assessment or Transport Statement must be submitted. Experienced transport planning consultants ensure reports meet these local standards.
Transport for London (TfL) Standards
For developments in London, Transport Assessments must comply with Transport for London requirements and align with the Mayor’s Transport Strategy and relevant borough transport policies.
Sustainable Transport Policies
Planning authorities increasingly prioritise walking, cycling, and public transport accessibility. A robust transport impact assessment evaluates how developments support sustainable travel and reduce reliance on private vehicles.
Highway Authority Guidance
Local highway authorities review access design, road safety, and traffic impacts before approving planning applications. Our transport assessment consultants ensure developments meet these technical requirements.
How Long It Takes?
The time required to prepare a Transport Assessment or Transport Statement depends on the scale of the development and the level of analysis required. Smaller projects generally require less detailed reporting, while larger developments may involve traffic modelling, surveys, and consultation with local authorities.
Typical timeframes include:
• Transport Statement (TS): usually completed within 1–2 weeks.
• Transport Assessment (TA): typically takes 2–4 weeks depending on project complexity.
• Additional studies: surveys such as Parking Stress Surveys or Pedestrian Assessments may extend the timeline if required.
Local Authority Requirements
Local planning authorities often require a Transport Assessment or Transport Statement as part of the planning application process when a development is expected to generate additional travel demand. The specific requirements can vary between councils, but the overall objective is to ensure that new developments can be safely accessed and that the surrounding transport network can accommodate the additional movement.
Planning authorities typically review TA and TS reports to assess factors such as traffic generation, site access arrangements, parking provision, pedestrian connectivity, and the potential impact on nearby roads and junctions. In many cases, the local highway authority will also review the transport assessment to ensure that the proposed development complies with national transport guidance and local planning policies.
Requirements may differ depending on the location and scale of the development. Some councils publish specific thresholds for when a transport assessment for planning application submissions are required, while others assess the need for a report on a case-by-case basis. Additional supporting documents such as Travel Plans, Construction Logistics Plans, or parking analysis may also be requested depending on the nature of the project.
Working with experienced Transport Assessment consultants helps ensure that transport documentation aligns with local authority expectations and that the planning application includes the appropriate level of transport analysis. Early planning transport assessment support can also help identify potential requirements before submission, reducing the risk of delays during the planning review process.
Why Choose Capital TP?
Specialist Transport Planning Expertise
Our experienced Transport Assessment consultants provide professional advice and technical analysis for developments of all sizes, ensuring transport considerations are addressed from the earliest planning stages.
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Proven Experience Across Development Types
We prepare TA and TS reports for a wide range of projects, including residential developments, commercial sites, mixed-use schemes, logistics facilities, and urban regeneration projects.
Planning-Focused Approach
Our team understands the planning system and works closely with developers, architects, and planning consultants to ensure the transport assessment for planning application requirements are fully satisfied.
Policy-Aligned Reporting
All assessments are prepared in line with national guidance, Department for Transport standards, and local authority policies, ensuring every transport impact assessment meets regulatory expectations.
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Early Planning Support
We provide strategic planning transport assessment support at the pre-application stage, helping clients identify transport constraints early and avoid delays during the planning process.
Strong Relationships with Authorities
Our transport planning consultants regularly engage with local planning authorities and highway authorities, ensuring that reports and recommendations align with their technical requirements.
Areas We Serve
At Capital TP, our Transport Assessment consultants provide expert planning transport assessment support across London, helping developers, architects, and planning consultants deliver compliant TA and TS reports. We cover a wide range of boroughs to ensure your transport submissions meet local authority requirements efficiently.
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
