What Makes a Good Transport Statement?
Preparing a Transport Statement is often an important part of the planning application process. However, not all Transport Statements are created equal.
A well-prepared Transport Statement should do much more than simply describe a development. It should provide clear, proportionate evidence that allows the Local Planning Authority and Local Highway Authority to understand the transport implications of the proposal and determine whether the development is acceptable.
This guide explains the characteristics of a good Transport Statement and how it can help avoid unnecessary delays during the planning process.
A good Transport Statement is proportionate
One of the most common misconceptions is that every Transport Statement needs to be a lengthy technical report.
In reality, the assessment should be proportionate to the scale and complexity of the proposed development.
A small change of use is unlikely to require the same level of analysis as a major residential or commercial development. Preparing a report that is proportionate helps focus attention on the issues that genuinely matter.
It answers the Highway Authority's questions
A good Transport Statement anticipates the issues that the Local Highway Authority is likely to consider.
These commonly include:
Is the site safely accessible?
Will visibility be acceptable?
Is there sufficient parking?
Can delivery and refuse vehicles safely manoeuvre?
Will the development generate significant additional traffic?
Are there suitable opportunities to walk, cycle and use public transport?
If these questions are answered clearly and supported by appropriate evidence, the planning process is often much smoother.
It is based on accurate information
The quality of any Transport Statement depends on the quality of the information used to prepare it.
This may include:
Site visits
Highway measurements
Traffic surveys
Parking surveys
Speed surveys
Planning drawings
Local planning policy
Highway Authority guidance
Accurate information provides confidence that the assessment reflects the actual conditions on site.
It considers all forms of travel
Although much attention is often given to cars, a good Transport Statement should consider how people travel by all available modes.
This normally includes:
Walking
Cycling
Public transport
Private car
Servicing and deliveries
Considering sustainable travel options is an important part of the planning process and demonstrates that the development has been assessed in a balanced way.
It identifies potential problems early
One of the most valuable aspects of a Transport Statement is that it can identify highway issues before a planning application is submitted.
Potential concerns might include:
Poor visibility.
Inadequate parking.
Difficult vehicle manoeuvring.
Unsuitable access arrangements.
Conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles.
Identifying these issues early allows the design team to make changes before they become formal planning objections.
It provides practical solutions
A good Transport Statement does not simply identify problems.
Where issues are found, it should explain how they can be addressed.
This may involve:
Revising the site layout.
Improving visibility.
Providing additional parking.
Demonstrating vehicle tracking.
Introducing highway improvements.
Preparing additional supporting information where appropriate.
Highway Authorities are generally looking for evidence that potential impacts have been properly considered and, where necessary, mitigated.
It is clear and easy to understand
Transport planning inevitably involves technical matters, but a good report should avoid unnecessary jargon wherever possible.
Planning officers, elected members and members of the public may all read the document during the planning process.
Using clear language, logical structure and well-presented drawings helps ensure that the key messages are understood.
It supports the planning application
A Transport Statement should not be viewed as a document prepared simply to satisfy a planning requirement.
Instead, it should form part of the overall planning strategy by demonstrating that transport considerations have been fully addressed.
When prepared properly, it can provide confidence to decision-makers that the development can be accommodated safely and sustainably.
Common mistakes
Some of the most common issues seen in poorly prepared Transport Statements include:
Insufficient site-specific information.
Generic text that could apply to almost any development.
Failing to address the Highway Authority's likely concerns.
Inaccurate parking assessments.
Incomplete accessibility assessments.
Omitting vehicle tracking where it is clearly required.
Providing conclusions that are not supported by evidence.
Avoiding these mistakes can reduce the likelihood of requests for additional information during the planning process.
How DW Transportation can help
DW Transportation prepares Transport Statements for developers, architects, planning consultants and landowners throughout South Wales and across the UK.
Every Transport Statement is tailored to the individual development and prepared with the aim of providing clear, proportionate and practical advice that supports the planning application.
Our approach focuses on identifying potential highway issues at an early stage, allowing them to be addressed before they become planning objections.
Need advice?
If you're preparing a planning application and would like advice on whether a Transport Statement is required, or how to address transport issues associated with your development, we'd be happy to discuss your project.
Early transport planning advice can often save time, reduce costs and improve the likelihood of a successful planning outcome.
Contact DW Transportation today for an informal discussion about your project.
About the Author
Dean Watkins is Director of DW Transportation, an independent transport planning consultancy based in South Wales. With over 25 years' experience in transport planning, Dean advises developers, architects and planning consultants on Transport Statements, Transport Assessments, highway design and development planning projects across South Wales and the UK.
Key Takeaways
A good Transport Statement should:
• Be proportionate to the development.
• Address the Highway Authority's likely concerns.
• Be based on accurate site information.
• Consider all forms of travel.
• Identify potential issues early.
• Provide practical, evidence-based solutions.