Transport planning: support for planning applications

Transport planning assessments: recommended UK-wide consultants

We explain the importance of transport planning, looking at how the process is carried out in the UK before investigating how traffic impact assessment is managed in London.

What is transport planning?

Transport planning is a critical discipline focused on the evaluation, design, and management of transportation networks within urban and rural settings. Transport planning aims to facilitate efficient movement of people and goods, enhance accessibility, and promote sustainable development. In the UK, transport planning is integral to the planning system, influencing decisions made by local authorities on highways and environmental matters, and guiding developers in due diligence processes.

Transport Planning and the Planning System

Development plans

Local authorities must create and implement development plans that address the transportation needs of their communities. A transport policy involves assessing current transport networks and infrastructure, forecasting future travel trends, and ensuring that new developments align with strategic transport objectives. Transport planning informs these plans by providing evidence-based analyses that consider the transport industry in terms of traffic flow, how people travel, public means of transport such as bus operators, pedestrian pathways, and environmental impacts.

Managing travel demand involves implementing measures that influence travel behaviour, such as congestion pricing, improved transport schemes, and the development of mixed-use areas that reduce the need for long commutes. Effective transport planning anticipates future travel demand and implements strategies that align with environmental objectives and community needs.

Highways matters

Local authorities must evaluate how proposed developments will affect the built environment and road networks, identifying transport issues such as congestion, safety, and maintenance. Transport assessments and traffic impact assessments are tools used to predict the implications of new projects on existing highways and to propose mitigation measures when necessary.

Environmental considerations

The transportation sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions; the UK’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change necessitates the promotion of sustainable transport mobility solutions. This includes encouraging cycling, walking, reducing reliance on private vehicles, leading to lower emissions and improved air quality.

Transport planning ensures that environmental impacts are assessed and mitigated; this crucial land use planning must align with national and local sustainability goals.

Developer Due Diligence

For developers, due diligence in transport planning is essential to ensure that proposed projects are viable and compliant with regulatory requirements. This process involves conducting comprehensive transport modelling studies to understand the potential impacts of a development on transport systems. By engaging in thorough transport planning, developers can identify necessary infrastructure improvements, anticipate challenges, and propose solutions to decision makers that smoothly integrate into the existing transport system.

Transport Planning Consultancy Services

Transport planning consultancy services are provided by professionals with practical experience and expertise in various disciplines, including civil engineering, urban planning, environmental science and the transport sector. Engaging the analytical skills of a transport planning professional early in the development process can help with identifying problems and devising a transport strategy. Experienced practitioners who are well-versed in the latest thinking offer a range of services such as:

• Transport assessments and statements: Via quantitative methods and transport modelling, transport planners can evaluate the potential impact of developments on travel networks and propose mitigation strategies.
• Travel plans: Using research methods, strategies can be developed to promote sustainable travel choices for residents and employees.
• Traffic management plans: Designing measures to ensure safe and efficient movement within and around development sites.
• Road safety audits: Assessing proposed road schemes to identify and mitigate potential safety hazards.
• Sustainable solutions to transport problems: Advising on the integration of public methods of transport, cycling, and walking infrastructure to reduce reliance on private vehicles.

The Transport Planning Process

While the transport planning process is multifaceted, it typically involves the following stages:

1. Appraisal and design: This initial phase involves assessing existing land use, transport conditions and transport operators. This enables a forecast of future needs and transport solutions that align with development objectives and transport policy.
2. Supporting planning applications: Transport planners prepare detailed reports and assessments that accompany planning applications, demonstrating how proposed developments will address a wide range of transport-related challenges and contribute positively to the local area.
3. Town centre regeneration: Transport planning plays a pivotal role by enhancing accessibility, improving public spaces, and promoting sustainable methods of transport: this key town planning role boosts economic activity and quality of life.
4. Traffic management plans: These plans outline strategies to manage traffic flow, minimise congestion, and ensure safety during and after the construction of developments.
5. Traffic impact assessments: Evaluating the potential effects of a development on the surrounding transport network allows transport planners to propose necessary infrastructure enhancements or policy changes.
6. Road safety audits: Conducting independent evaluations of road designs helps identify potential safety issues and recommend improvements to prevent accidents.
7. Travel plans: Developing comprehensive strategies that encourage sustainable travel behaviours among users of a development, such as incentives for public transport use or the provision of cycling facilities.

Transportation planning in London

Transport planning consultants in London address a wide range of challenges to enhance the city’s transportation infrastructure and services. Key issues include:

• Infrastructure maintenance and upgrades. London’s aging transport infrastructure requires continuous maintenance and modernisation. Many transport planners assess the condition of existing assets, prioritise repair works, and plan upgrades to accommodate increasing demand and changes to travel routines.
• Funding and resource allocation. Securing adequate financial support for transport projects is an ongoing challenge. Consultants explore diverse financing options, including from the private and public sectors and partnerships, to create business cases for funding essential infrastructure developments.
• Integration of sustainable solutions. Consultants develop strategies to encourage walking, cycling, and public transport use, aiming to decrease carbon emissions, combat climate change and reduce reliance on private vehicles. A local transport plan involves designing safe cycling lanes, pedestrian-friendly streets, and efficient bus networks.
• Accessibility and inclusivity. There is an emphasis on ensuring the transport system is accessible to all, including disabled individuals.
• Managing variations in travel patterns. London experiences significant fluctuations in travel demand, particularly during peak hours. Using analytical skills to assess trip distribution and trip generation, a transport planning team will devise a transport strategy to optimise resource allocation. This will ensure that transport services can efficiently handle varying passenger volumes throughout the day.
• Balancing urban development and environmental conservation. The pressure to expand housing and commercial spaces often conflicts with the need to preserve green spaces. Working within political contexts, consultants strive to balance urban densification with environmental conservation, promoting vertical development over horizontal sprawl to protect green belts and enhance biodiversity.

Transport planning: designing functional, sustainable places

Transport planning ensures that transportation systems are efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly, supporting economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents. By integrating transport planning into the broader planning system, local authorities, developers and the transport industry can collaboratively create communities that are well-connected and resilient to future challenges.

We can point you in the direction of the most suitable transport planners with experience in advising on planning applications that satisfy local authorities UK-wide.

Fill in the quick contact form at the top of this page for a free quote. We can find a date for a transport planning consultant to assess your site and move your project forward.