Transport planning in Wales: Planning Policy Wales and TAN 18.
Transport evidence for Welsh schemes, working to Planning Policy Wales, Technical Advice Note 18, the Active Travel Act and the 20mph default limit.
Also known as: TAN 18, Planning Policy Wales transport, Active Travel Wales, Active Travel (Wales) Act, 20mph Wales planning, sustainable transport hierarchy
What’s included.
Wales has its own planning policy. Planning Policy Wales sets a sustainable transport hierarchy that puts walking and cycling first, then public transport, then private vehicles. Technical Advice Note 18 covers transport, and the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 shapes walking and cycling provision. Most restricted roads became 20mph in 2023.
- Transport Assessments to TAN 18
- Sustainable transport hierarchy evidence
- Active travel routes and design
- Speed surveys under the 20mph default
- Welsh Government trunk road input
- Travel Plans
Straightforward, proportionate, agreed early.
Welsh policy
Evidence written to Planning Policy Wales and TAN 18, not English policy relabelled.
Active travel first
Walking and cycling put first, as the hierarchy requires.
Real speeds
Visibility based on measured speeds under the new limits.
Questions we get asked
Does the NPPF apply in Wales?
No. Wales has Planning Policy Wales, Future Wales and Technical Advice Notes, including TAN 18 on transport.
How does the 20mph limit affect access design?
Visibility should reflect actual speeds. A speed survey often shows lower speeds and supports a shorter splay.
Who runs trunk roads in Wales?
The Welsh Government, through the North and Mid Wales and South Wales trunk road agents.
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 planning in Wales: PPW and TAN 18?
Send us the location and what's proposed. We'll tell you what it needs, with a fixed fee.