FAQ's
How do I know if I need a Transport Assessment?
A Transport Assessment is one of the documents that may be required as part of a planning application. The new 'Guidance on Transport Assessment' provides suggested thresholds on whether a Transport Assessment is required depending on the type and size of development and the impact that it will have on the transport network. However, these thresholds are intended as a guidance only and the need (or otherwise) for a Transport Assessment should be agreed with the appropriate highway authorities as part of the planning process.
How do I find someone who can prepare a Transport Assessment?
There are a number of specialist organisations with comprehensive experience in preparing Transport Assessments on behalf of developers and in association with professional partners, such as planners and architects. JMP Consulting was responsible for drafting the new 'Guidance on Transport Assessment' and is therefore uniquely placed to respond to its rigorous requirements. If you think you may need a Transport Assessment, or if you would like to discuss any transport aspects of your development, please contact us using the link at the bottom of the menu, and we will be pleased to assist you.
How much will a Transport Assessment cost?
Unfortunately there is no fixed cost associated with Transport Assessments and it will vary depending on the type, size and location of a development. Generally, the bigger the development and the greater the impact on the transport network, the more the Transport Assessment will cost. In addition, if the development is likely to have an impact on the Strategic Road Network, the cost may be greater due to the need to address the Highways Agency's concerns.
It is suggested that your transport consultant should always liaise with the local highway authorities on your behalf prior to providing a quote, to agree the scope of the exercise and hence minimise the risk of having to increase the cost at a later stage through a failure to identify necessary assessments which were not identified at the outset.
It should be noted that under Section 93 of the Local Government Act 2003, local authorities were given the power to charge for discretionary activities – those services that an authority has the power to provide, but it not obliged to do so. In the case of planning services, this could include charging for pre-application advice – click here for more details.
How long will it take to prepare a Transport Assessment?
Depending on the size of the development, it usually takes between around four to eight weeks to undertake a Transport Assessment. However, a number of factors can cause delays to the process. To find out more about these click here.
Applicants should be mindful that the local planning authorities automatically send any planning applications that may increase traffic on the Strategic Road Network to the Highways Agency. It is therefore strongly advised that contact should be established with the Agency prior to the submission of your planning application to explore the scope of the Transport Assessment.
What is a Travel Plan?
A Travel Plan is an integral part of the planning application and Transport Assessment process. It is a document which sets out what measures will be put in place to reduce the number of trips to the development and to encourage people to travel to the development by more sustainable methods (e.g. public transport, bicycle, car sharing and on foot). To find out more about Travel Plans click here.
Need some more advice?
If you have further questions relating to Transport Assessments, or simply want some expert advice, please click here to submit your query.
