How Much Does a Transport Statement Cost? A Guide for Developers (2026)
If you're preparing a planning application, one of the first questions you're likely to ask is:
"How much does a Transport Statement cost?"
It's a sensible question, but there isn't a single answer.
The cost of preparing a Transport Statement depends on the type of development, the complexity of the site and the amount of technical work required. A straightforward change of use will generally require much less work than a large residential or commercial development.
This guide explains the factors that influence the cost of a Transport Statement and why obtaining the right advice at an early stage can save both time and money.
What is a Transport Statement?
A Transport Statement is a technical report submitted in support of a planning application.
Its purpose is to demonstrate that the transport impacts of a proposed development have been properly considered and that the surrounding highway network can safely accommodate the development.
If you're unfamiliar with Transport Statements, you may also wish to read our article "Do I Need a Transport Statement?"
What does a Transport Statement typically cost?
Every project is different, so it's not possible to quote a single fixed fee.
However, as a general guide, a professionally prepared Transport Statement will often cost between £2,000 and £5,000, depending on the size and complexity of the development.
Straightforward developments with good existing access arrangements will usually fall towards the lower end of this range. More complex proposals requiring traffic surveys, parking assessments, junction analysis or extensive discussions with the Local Highway Authority are likely to cost more.
Following an initial review of your proposal, DW Transportation will provide a fixed-fee quotation so you know exactly what is included before any work begins.
Why do costs vary?
No two development sites are the same.
Some schemes require only a relatively straightforward assessment, while others involve additional surveys, technical analysis and discussions with the Local Highway Authority.
The amount of work involved is the biggest factor affecting the overall fee.
What influences the cost?
Several factors determine how much work is required.
The size of the development
A single retail unit or small change of use will usually require less assessment than a larger residential or mixed-use development generating significantly more traffic.
The location
Developments on quiet roads with good visibility and existing infrastructure are often simpler to assess than sites located on busy roads, within town centres or close to signal-controlled junctions.
Existing highway conditions
If the site already has a suitable access arrangement and sufficient parking, the assessment is often more straightforward than where new highway works or access alterations are proposed.
Planning requirements
Some Local Planning Authorities require additional information depending on the nature of the proposal. This may include parking assessments, servicing information, Travel Plans or other supporting documents.
Additional surveys
In some cases, traffic surveys, parking surveys or speed surveys may be required to support the assessment. These surveys are normally undertaken by specialist survey companies and are usually quoted separately.
Will I need any additional reports?
Sometimes.
Depending on the development, a Transport Statement may be accompanied by other transport planning documents.
Examples include:
Travel Plans
Delivery and Servicing Plans
Construction Traffic Management Plans
Parking Surveys
Swept Path Analysis
Road Safety Audits
Preliminary Highway Design
Not every development requires these documents, but identifying the need early can help avoid delays during the planning process.
Is the cheapest quotation always the best?
Not necessarily.
A Transport Statement is a professional technical document that may be scrutinised by both the Local Planning Authority and the Local Highway Authority.
A well-prepared report should clearly explain the development, assess the relevant transport issues and provide proportionate evidence to support the planning application.
Choosing a consultant based solely on price may prove to be a false economy if further work or revisions are later required.
Can early advice reduce costs?
Yes.
Discussing a proposal with a transport planning consultant before submitting a planning application can often identify potential issues at an early stage.
This allows the scope of work to be agreed before unnecessary surveys or analysis are commissioned and helps ensure that the assessment is proportionate to the development.
How long does it take?
The timescale depends on the complexity of the proposal and whether additional surveys are required.
Straightforward developments can often be assessed relatively quickly, while larger or more complex schemes may require traffic surveys, discussions with the Local Highway Authority or additional technical work.
If your planning application has a fixed submission date, it is advisable to appoint a transport planning consultant as early as possible.
How DW Transportation can help
DW Transportation provides independent transport planning advice to developers, architects, planning consultants and landowners throughout South Wales and across the UK.
We prepare Transport Statements for a wide range of developments, from small changes of use through to larger commercial and residential schemes.
Wherever possible, we provide fixed-fee quotations and clearly explain the scope of work before the project begins, giving our clients confidence that they understand both the process and the likely costs.
Need a quotation?
If you're planning a development and would like to know whether a Transport Statement is required, we'd be happy to discuss your project.
Following an initial review of the proposal, we can advise on the likely scope of work and provide a fixed-fee quotation tailored to your development.
Contact DW Transportation today for an informal discussion about your project.