Parking Surveys & Assessments
Independent parking surveys and professional parking assessments for planning applications
Parking is one of the most common issues raised during the planning process. Whether supporting a new development, responding to objections or demonstrating that sufficient parking is available, robust evidence is often essential.
At DW Transportation, we arrange independent parking surveys and prepare evidence-based parking assessments to support planning applications across Wales and England. Working with an independent specialist survey company, we combine reliable parking data with professional transport planning advice to provide clear and objective assessments for Local Planning Authorities and Highway Authorities.
What is a Parking Survey?
A parking survey records the number and location of parked vehicles within an agreed study area over a defined period.
The purpose of the survey is to establish existing parking demand and understand how parking is used around a development site. This provides an objective evidence base for assessing whether existing parking capacity is sufficient to accommodate a proposed development.
Where surveys are required, DW Transportation commissions an independent specialist traffic survey company to undertake the fieldwork, ensuring that parking data is collected independently.
What is a Parking Assessment?
A parking assessment interprets the survey results alongside local planning policy, parking standards and the characteristics of the surrounding area.
Rather than simply presenting survey data, a parking assessment explains what the evidence means for the proposed development. It considers whether sufficient parking is available, whether the proposal is likely to have an unacceptable impact on surrounding streets and whether the development complies with relevant planning policy.
Every parking assessment is tailored to the individual development and the issues being considered.
When are Parking Surveys Required?
Parking surveys are commonly required where parking is likely to be an important planning consideration.
Typical examples include:
Residential developments with limited on-site parking.
Town centre developments.
Changes of use.
Commercial developments.
Developments with reduced parking provision.
Planning applications where parking objections have been raised.
Applications where the Highway Authority requests additional parking evidence.
Not every development requires a parking survey. We will advise whether one is likely to be necessary based on the nature of the proposal and the requirements of the Local Planning Authority.
Our Approach
Every development is different, so every parking assessment should reflect the characteristics of the site and its surrounding area.
Where a parking survey is required, we arrange for the survey to be undertaken by an independent specialist traffic survey company operating throughout the UK. Once the survey has been completed, we analyse the results alongside local parking standards, planning policy and the specific characteristics of the development.
Our focus is not simply on presenting survey results, but on explaining what the evidence demonstrates and how it relates to the proposed development.
What Can a Parking Assessment Consider?
Depending on the development, a parking assessment may consider matters such as:
Existing parking demand.
On-street parking capacity.
Parking stress.
Local parking standards.
Accessibility to local facilities.
Sustainable travel opportunities.
Proposed parking provision.
Disabled parking.
Cycle parking.
Electric vehicle charging.
Operational parking requirements.
Every assessment is proportionate to the scale and complexity of the development.
Supporting Planning Applications
Parking often becomes one of the key issues during the determination of a planning application.
A well-prepared parking assessment provides objective evidence that helps planning officers and Highway Authorities understand the likely parking impacts of a development. It can also help respond to concerns raised by local residents or provide additional information requested during the planning process.
By combining independently collected survey data with professional transport planning advice, we provide clear and robust parking evidence to support planning applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all developments require a parking survey?
No. Many developments can be assessed using existing information and local parking standards. Where additional evidence is needed, we can advise whether an independent parking survey is likely to be appropriate.
Who undertakes the parking surveys?
Where surveys are required, we commission an independent specialist traffic survey company to undertake the field surveys on our behalf. This ensures that the parking data used within our assessments is independently collected and provides a robust evidence base for planning applications.
Can parking assessments be used to respond to planning objections?
Yes. Parking assessments are frequently prepared to respond to concerns raised by planning officers, Highway Authorities or local residents regarding parking availability and the potential impact of a proposed development.
Do you provide parking assessments throughout the UK?
Yes. DW Transportation provides parking assessments for developments across Wales and England, working alongside an independent survey company that undertakes parking surveys throughout the UK.
Related Services
Parking Surveys & Assessments are often prepared alongside:
Transport Statements
Transport Assessments
Transport Technical Notes
Access Design
Car Park Layout Design
Swept Path Analysis
Need a Parking Survey or Parking Assessment?
If parking is a key consideration for your development, we can advise whether an independent parking survey is required and prepare a robust parking assessment tailored to your project.
Whether you're supporting a planning application, responding to Highway Authority comments or addressing parking concerns raised during consultation, we'll provide clear, evidence-based advice to help move your project forward.
Contact us for an informal discussion and a fixed-fee quotation.