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Detailed reports by transport planning consultants: help secure planning consent

Transport planning consultants play an important role in shaping the infrastructure and functionality of urban and rural environments. Their expertise and detailed knowledge ensures that transport networks and systems are efficient, sustainable and safe, aligning with broader planning objectives.

We outline the responsibilities of transport planning consultants, their significance within the planning system and give examples of when their skills might be needed.  We also look at the training and qualifications that they need, along with potential employers and the current job market landscape.

The role and responsibilities of transport planning consultants

These professionals are dedicated to the analysis, design, and implementation of transportation strategies to ensure the serviceability of areas for future generations. Their primary responsibilities include:

• Assessing transportation needs: Evaluating current and projected transportation demands to inform infrastructure development. This involves modelling future traffic patterns and ensuring that proposed transport networks will be capable of handling anticipated growth.
• Designing transport systems: Crafting plans for roads, public transport, cycling paths, and pedestrian routes that promote seamless mobility. Effective design considers not only capacity but also ease of use, accessibility, and environmental impact.
• Conducting traffic impact assessments: Analysing how proposed new development may affect existing transportation networks and suggesting mitigation measures. By identifying potential congestion hotspots and inefficiencies, transport planners can help avoid long-term traffic issues.
• Promoting sustainable solutions to public transport issues: Advocating for eco-friendly transportation options to reduce the environmental impact of schemes. Assessment will be made of issues such as carbon reduction and air quality to improve health in local communities. The integration of electric vehicle infrastructure, cycling initiatives, and pedestrian-friendly designs is crucial in modern transport planning.
• Ensuring compliance with regulations: Aligning transportation projects with local, regional, and national policies and standards. Consultants ensure that projects meet safety requirements, environmental impact regulations, and government transport strategies.

Transport networks and the planning system

Transport consultants bring a wide-ranging skill set to complex infrastructure development schemes. By making a thorough assessment of individual situations and addressing problems with a positive attitude, consultants will often find an acceptable way for a scheme to proceed. Their ability to balance commercial interests with public needs makes them key contributors to planning applications and appeals. Their role involves:

• Integration of land use and transport: Consultants ensure that transportation infrastructure aligns with local plans, fostering cohesive growth in local communities. By strategically placing transport hubs and optimising traffic flow, they support economic development and enhance urban mobility.
• Enhancing accessibility: By designing efficient transport networks, consultants improve access to services, employment, public transport and amenities. This is particularly important for underserved areas, where improved connectivity can lead to economic regeneration and social benefits.
• Environmental stewardship: Their focus on sustainable solutions contributes to reducing emissions to improve air quality and combating climate change. Green transport solutions such as park-and-ride schemes, low-emission zones, and enhanced public transport offerings are key elements in modern urban planning
• Safety assurance: Through meticulous planning and road safety audits, transportation planners enhance the safety of all road users. Addressing accident blackspots and ensuring road layouts are designed with pedestrian and cyclist safety in mind are critical components of their work.

When should developers engage transport consultants?

Developers may need to consult these planning experts in various scenarios:

• Compliance requirements: To fulfil regulatory obligations, such as conducting transport assessments for planning applications, the extensive experience of transportation planning consultants will often be required.
• New developments: For residential, commercial, or industrial projects, consultants are needed to assess and plan for transport infrastructure requirements for both private and public sector clients. Early engagement ensures that transport considerations are embedded in the design phase rather than becoming an afterthought.
• Urban regeneration projects: Revitalising areas with improved transport networks and infrastructure is a key part of a consultant’s role. They help local authorities and developers create modern, efficient solutions that support economic growth and community development.
• Transport infrastructure upgrades: Consultants’ extensive experience is important when existing transport systems require expansion or modernisation. Infrastructure improvements, such as road widening schemes and new public transport links, often require detailed feasibility studies and planning support. Major projects must fully assess their environmental impact to ensure that developments do not contribute negatively to climate change and pollution levels. Transport consultants play a vital role in balancing the demand for new infrastructure with sustainability goals.

Where do transport planners work?

A range of diverse sectors may require the services of transportation experts, including:

• The public sector: Consultants work with local authorities, city councils and government agencies to develop and implement transportation policies. Their work influences long-term transport strategies and infrastructure investment decisions.
• The private sector: Engaging with engineering consultancies, urban planning firms and developers, transport planners provide specialised solutions. Their input is crucial in securing planning permissions and ensuring developments meet sustainability criteria.
• Transport operators: Consultants may collaborate with private and public transport operators such as bus and train companies to optimise routes and services. Efficiency improvements in scheduling and network design can enhance passenger experience and operational viability.
• Research institutions: Innovative transport solutions are often needed in academic settings, and consultants may be required to conduct studies and develop plans. Their research contributes to advancements in transport technology and policy development.

The pathway to becoming a transportation planning consultant

Aspiring consultants typically follow these steps:

1. Educational background: Young people aiming to enter the profession would initially obtain a degree in fields such as civil engineering, urban planning, geography, or transport planning.
2. Professional qualifications: Pursue certifications from recognised bodies like the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) or the Transport Planning Society (TPS).
3. Practical experience: Gaining hands-on experience through internships, graduate schemes, or entry-level positions in relevant organisations. Exposure to real-world projects helps develop technical and problem-solving skills.
4. Continuous professional development: Staying informed about the full range of industry policies, trends and technological advancements through workshops, seminars, and further studies.

The current employment market and demand

While demand for skilled transport planners in the UK has seen fluctuations, recent data indicates a significant increase in job vacancies within the transport and logistics sectors. This surge is attributed to factors such as an expanding population, necessitating enhanced infrastructure and services.

However, challenges persist, including a shortage of qualified professionals to meet this growing demand. Efforts are underway to address these gaps through targeted training programs and initiatives aimed at attracting talent to the field. Increased investment in transport infrastructure projects is expected to create further opportunities for skilled consultants.

Transport planners’ expertise shapes the built environment

Transportation planning consultants are integral to the development of functional, sustainable, and safe transportation systems. Their extensive expertise not only facilitates efficient movement but also contributes to environmental conservation and the well-being of future generations.

As urban landscapes evolve and populations grow, the full range of transport planners’ skills becomes increasingly critical, underlining the need to have qualified professionals dedicated to shaping the way transportation functions. Their involvement ensures that transport solutions are not only effective today but also adaptable for the future.

If you need to engage a transport planning consultant, the team of knowledgeable experts at Arbtech can help. Complete the contact form at the top of this page and a consultant will get in touch.