Transport Assessments.
A full assessment of how a larger scheme affects travel, safety and the road network, scoped with the council so it answers their questions and nothing more.
Also known as: Transport Assessment, TA, transport impact assessment
What’s included.
A Transport Assessment is usually needed for larger schemes, or smaller ones near busy junctions or with a poor safety record. Under NPPF policy TR6, the evidence must be proportionate to the scale of the scheme. We agree the scope with the highway authority before any surveys are bought.
- A scoping note agreed with the highway authority
- Site access design, visibility and swept paths
- Walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport review
- Trip generation, distribution and traffic growth
- Junction capacity modelling where needed
- Collision analysis and road safety review
- Mitigation that leaves the area better, not just acceptable
- A Travel Plan to go with it
Straightforward, proportionate, agreed early.
Scope first
We agree the study area, junctions, survey dates and assumptions in writing, so you do not pay for work nobody asked for.
Built around the tests
Every chapter leads back to the two questions in policy: is highway safety acceptable, and is any residual effect on the network severe?
Give something back
Where a footway, crossing or bus improvement helps the scheme and its neighbours, we design it in and make sure officers see it.
Questions we get asked
When do I need a Transport Assessment rather than a Statement?
It depends on the scale of the scheme, local thresholds and how sensitive the nearby roads are. Many councils still start from the Department for Transport’s 2007 indicative thresholds. We will tell you which applies, and confirm it with the council.
How long does a Transport Assessment take?
Typically six to twelve weeks, mostly driven by survey timing and modelling. We give you a programme with the fixed fee.
Do you include junction modelling?
Yes, using Junctions (ARCADY and PICADY) and LinSig, but only for the junctions the scheme genuinely affects.
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 Transport Assessments?
Send us the location and what's proposed. We'll tell you what it needs, with a fixed fee.