DfT Circular 01/2022 and the strategic road network.
Help with schemes that affect motorways and trunk roads, applying DfT Circular 01/2022 and agreeing the evidence with National Highways.
Also known as: DfT Circular 01/22, Circular 01/2022, National Highways, strategic road network, SRN, Highways England
What’s included.
DfT Circular 01/2022 sets out how National Highways engages with the planning system on the strategic road network in England. It favours a vision-led approach and sustainable locations, and limits new junctions on the network. National Highways is a statutory consultee where a scheme may affect its roads.
- Early check on whether the SRN is affected
- Scoping with National Highways
- Assessment of SRN junctions
- Safety review on the strategic network
- Mitigation and monitoring proposals
- Responses to holding directions
Straightforward, proportionate, agreed early.
Check early
We tell you at the start whether National Highways is likely to be involved.
Talk to them
Early engagement avoids holding directions late in the process.
Proportionate
Assessment focused on the SRN junctions the scheme genuinely affects.
Questions we get asked
What is a holding direction?
A direction from National Highways that stops the council granting permission while it considers the scheme further. Early engagement makes them much less likely.
Does the Circular apply in Wales or Scotland?
No. It applies to National Highways’ network in England. Trunk roads in Wales and Scotland are run by the Welsh and Scottish Governments.
Can a new junction be added to a trunk road?
The Circular sets a strong presumption against new junctions on some parts of the network. We check what applies.
Often needed alongside.
Last reviewed October 2026 by Ripple Development Planning. Policy and guidance change; for advice on a specific site, send us the details.
From our insights.
Need help with DfT Circular 01/2022?
Send us the location and what's proposed. We'll tell you what it needs, with a fixed fee.