Transport Assessment

A Transport Assessment is a comprehensive and systematic process that sets out transport issues relating to a proposed development and it identifies what measures will be taken to deal with the anticipated transport impacts to improve accessibility and safety for all modes of travel, particularly for sustainable transport alternatives to the car such as walking, cycling and public transport.

Transport Assessment

In some cases, dependant on the Local Planning Authority guidelines, the transport issues arising out of a development proposal may not require a full Transport Assessment, in these instances, it has become common practice to produce a simplified report in the form of a Transport Statement. There will also be situations where the transport issues relating to a development proposal are negligible, and no formal assessment is necessary, again this is dependent upon the Local Planning Authority and varies throughout the Country. At Sanderson Associates, we have a broad knowledge of the requirements for many Local Planning Authorities and can help you in deciding which option is best.

Transport Assessments should consider the impact of the development on all transport modes, set out proposals to minimise the impact of the development on the transport network and promote measures to encourage sustainable and environmentally friendly transport. The assessment should be developed through consultation with the relevant stakeholders. This is an iterative process that often requires a number of revisions to the development proposals before it is agreed that the transport impact of the development has been reduced to a minimum. At this point the residual transport impact is assessed and mitigation measures are designed as necessary. Figure 1 below outlines this approach:-

Iterative Transport Assessment Process

This iterative approach to the Transport Assessment ensures that improvements to sustainable modes of transport are always considered first whereas measures to increase the capacity of roads or junctions are only considered at the end of the process mitigating the traffic impact of the development.

Transport Assessments identify the impact of the development in ‘person trips’ these are then broken down by transport mode. This normally involves the use of the nationally accepted TRICS database which challenges and validates assumptions about transport impacts of new developments” and provides trip generation models for analysis. Alternatively the use of bespoke survey data from other development sites can be used. This can give a more accurate estimate of trip generation if a suitably representative site can be found in close proximity to the new development proposal.

Once the trips have been estimated, their distribution on to the network can be predicted. This can be carried out though various techniques, including gravity models or using existing travel pattern information or other empirical data. Information is also gathered on any existing person/vehicle trips from the site and these are deducted from the model to produce a net increase or decrease in trips, agreed assessment periods normally considered are weekday AM/PM and weekend peak hour periods.

Now the net trip predictions are known, the local transport network is examined to establish whether capacity exists that can adequately accommodate them. Assessing the traffic impact on the highway network usually requires an assessment of the highway links and junction connections where the potential impact is anticipated. The traffic assessment will normally include junction modelling of current traffic movements plus movements for when the development is complete and then for future design year scenarios, which are normally at least 5 years hence. Surveys of existing traffic flows on the local network are required to establish the base situation, with traffic growth factors applied to predict future design year conditions. These are derived through the National Trip End Model (NTEM) forecasts used in the TEMPro software package (developed by the Department for Transport) or other empirical data.

Where the traffic assessment identifies that the level of additional traffic movements cannot be accommodated by existing infrastructure, then off site highway improvements need to be considered to ensure that the impact of the development is neutral. Similarly pedestrian/cycle routes and public transport facilities are examined and if improvements are necessary to accommodate development trips, then improvements need to be considered to these facilities to encourage access by sustainable modes.

The operational safety of a development is a key consideration and a detailed appraisal of the recorded personal injury accident records for the local highway network is usually required, determining casualty, linked factors and common problems that may need to be addressed as part of the development.

The assessment concludes with a summary of its findings and recommendations outlining the developments compliance with National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Local Plans.

Local Plans are produced by each local planning authority and is the key to delivering sustainable development that reflects the vision and aspirations of the local community. Planning decisions must be taken in accordance with the plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

Local Plans are designed to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. To this end, they should be consistent with the principles and policies set out in National Planning Policy Framework, including presumption in favour of sustainable development. The National Planning Policy Framework also indicates that the development should not be prevented or refused on highway grounds unless there is an unacceptable impact on highway safety or the resultant impact on the road network is severe.


What Our Clients Say:

Swept Path Analysis and Visibility Drawing incorporated into a Technical Note, Proposed Residential Dwelling, Colchester.

Planning permission approved finally, I am certain it was your input when you asked for the refusal to be put into writing so it can go to appeal… well done & thank you again. Nicholas Perks, Wyvern Building

Highway Statement, Proposed Residential Development, Stockport

Just want to pass on my thanks and appreciation. Your knowledge and speed at looking at the issues were incurred was superb. Hopefully we’ll have the pleasure of working together in the future. Craig Ashton, Managing Director, CPA Bespoke Joinery Ltd.

Transport Assessment, Proposed Residential Development (170 dwellings), Essex

This report is of the highest quality and detail and draws the conclusions we had hoped to see. Thanks to you and the team for this, we will certainly be using Sanderson Associates on future projects. Tom Helliwell, Managing Director, Class Q Ltd

Speed Survey, Proposed Private Residential Development – Testimonial

Thank you so much for your fast and efficient service, the speed survey was conducted efficiently and the report given has really helped our planning application process with highways moving forward. Communication from yourselves was also fantastic and swift. Would most definitely recommend you to everyone. Much appreciated! Ismail Chopdat (Private Individual)

Access Feasibility Study, Proposed Private Residential Development – Testimonial

I have recently worked on a project with Karen and Ashley at Sanderson’s and they were extremely helpful, professional and worked to my extremely tight deadline. I have no hesitation in recommending this company their attention to detail and professionalism was much appreciated. Rosie Marsh (Private Individual)

Analysis of Speed Survey and Swept Path Analysis

Brett and the Sanderson’s team were invaluable to us in obtaining highways consent which in part cleared the way for our planning application to be approved. They provided a proactive professional and personable approach to satisfy and fulfil the Cambridgeshire highways requirements. We recommend them and will use them again. Daykin Waters Waters Developments

Stage 2 Road Safety Audit, Residential, Staffordshire

Sanderson Associates were the successful bidder for carrying out a Stage 2 Road Safety Audit on behalf of TSP Projects. Their team were committed to the tight programme, and not only did they undertake the audit and agree terms and conditions in a short space of time they were receptive and flexible with planning the […]

Construction Traffic Management Plan

Sanderson Associates have been very helpful for us and our clients. They proved efficiency and competitive pricing. Thank you for your services. Andreea Raicu, Architect, Tang & Associates Ltd

Flood Risk Assessment, Testimonial, Industrial Development, Sheffield

Sanderson’s were a great in helping us with our planning application for a new material silo at our manufacturing base in Sheffield. Darren was efficient and swift in his discussions with the council on the need for a flood risk assessment on the site. Darren’s knowledge of the site and surrounding area and consequent discussions […]

Travel Plan

We have worked with Ashley, found the service very professional, efficient and cost-effective. We received the surveys and reports on time and were kept fully appraised with everything, excellent service all round. Recommend using Sanderson again in the future. Thank you, Al Ihsan Trust

Require Assistance with a Transport Assessment?

Sanderson Associates have extensive experience in providing Transport Assessments, Transport Statements and Travel Plans for a wide variety of major and minor developments throughout the whole of the UK, Isle of Man and Ireland.

We would be pleased to provide you with a competitive fee proposal for the provision of our Transport Assessment Services, please call us on 01924 844080 or click here to complete our secure online form.

Transport Assessment, Anticipated Transport Impacts, National Planning Policy Framework, NPPF, Local Plans, Transport Statement, Transport Network
Sustainable Transport, Travel Plan, Department For Transport, Person Trips, TRICS, Gravity Models
Local Transport Network, National Trip End Model, PPG13 Transport
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