What is a Transport Statement?

The recently reviewed and published National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that ‘All developments that will generate significant amounts of movements should be required to provide a Travel Plan, and the application should be supported by a transport statement or transport assessment so that the likely impacts of the proposal can be assessed.’

A Transport Statement is a ‘lighter touch’ version of a Transport Assessment and is used in some cases where transport issues arising out of development proposals do not require a full Transport Assessment. Although there are no current guidelines on when to produce a Transport Statement, liaison with the Local Authority at an early stage can identify if one is required and to what scale, scope and level of detail is necessary.

Transport Statements cover the smaller scale developments where the traffic impact is limited in both volume and area impact.

Following the withdrawal in October 2014 of The Department for Transport Document (March 2007) ‘Guidance on Transport Assessment’ guidance on the preparation of supporting documentation in highway assessment terms can be found in the Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) suite of documents and in particular in 'Travel Plans, Transport Assessments and Statements in decision taking'.  This guidance provides advice on when Transport Assessments and Transport Statements are required and what they should contain. It suggests that the scale, scope and level of detail required need to be established early in the ‘development management process’ as it may influence the overall nature of the detailed design.

The Transport Statement will generally include an audit and appraisal of the following:

Existing conditions

  • Existing site information – describing the current physical infrastructure and characteristics of the site and its surroundings; and
  • Baseline traffic data – background transport data and current transport infrastructure details.

This information should be accurately established to understand the context of the development proposal. The description should include as a minimum:

Existing site information:

  • A site location plan that shows the proposed development site in relation to the surrounding area and transport system;
  • The permitted and existing use of the site;
  • The existing land uses in the vicinity of the site, including development plan allocations, or potential future use in the case of undeveloped sites;
  • Existing site access arrangements including access constraints, where appropriate;
  • Whether the location of the site is within or near a designated Air Quality Management Area (AQMA); and
  • Any abnormal load uses of the current site.

Baseline transport data:

  • A qualitative description of the travel characteristics of the existing site, including pedestrian and cyclist movements and facilities, where applicable;
  • Existing public transport provision, including provision/frequency of services, location of bus stops/train stations, park-and-ride facilities;
  • A description and functional classification of the highway network in the vicinity of the site; and
  • An analysis of the recorded personal injury accident records on the public highway in the vicinity of the site access.

Proposed Development

  • Proposed land use and scale of development;
  • Proposed means of access;
  • Person trip generation and distribution of trips by mode of transport;
  • A qualitative and quantative description of the proposed travel characteristics of the proposed development;
  • Proposed improvements to site accessibility by sustainable modes of travel
  • Proposed parking and servicing strategy;
  • Residual vehicle trip impact;
  • Transport implications of construction traffic (if there are specific local difficulties identified); and
  • If the development site has a current use or an extant planning permission, the net level of change in traffic flows that might arise from the development is calculated and considered.

Require a Transport Statement?

We would be delighted to provide you with our competitive fee proposal to provide you with a Transport Statement, please call us on 01924 844080 or click here to complete our secure online form.


What our Clients' say:

Highway Statement, Proposed Residential Development, Stockport

Thu 11 June 2020

Just want to pass on my thanks and appreciation. Your knowledge and speed at looking at the issues were incurred was superb. Hopefully we’ll have the pleasure of working together in the future. Craig Ashton, Managing Director, CPA Bespoke Joinery Ltd.

Transport Assessment, Proposed Residential Development (170 dwellings), Essex

Fri 24 April 2020

This report is of the highest quality and detail and draws the conclusions we had hoped to see. Thanks to you and the team for this, we will certainly be using Sanderson Associates on future projects. Tom Helliwell, Managing Director, Class Q Ltd

Speed Survey, Proposed Private Residential Development – Testimonial

Sat 14 December 2019

Thank you so much for your fast and efficient service, the speed survey was conducted efficiently and the report given has really helped our planning application process with highways moving forward. Communication from yourselves was also fantastic and swift. Would most definitely recommend you to everyone. Much appreciated! Ismail Chopdat (Private Individual)

Access Feasibility Study, Proposed Private Residential Development – Testimonial

Mon 30 September 2019

I have recently worked on a project with Karen and Ashley at Sanderson’s and they were extremely helpful, professional and worked to my extremely tight deadline. I have no hesitation in recommending this company their attention to detail and professionalism was much appreciated. Rosie Marsh (Private Individual)

Analysis of Speed Survey and Swept Path Analysis

Tue 3 September 2019

Brett and the Sanderson’s team were invaluable to us in obtaining highways consent which in part cleared the way for our planning application to be approved. They provided a proactive professional and personable approach to satisfy and fulfil the Cambridgeshire highways requirements. We recommend them and will use them again. Daykin Waters Waters Developments

Stage 2 Road Safety Audit, Residential, Staffordshire

Tue 16 July 2019

Sanderson Associates were the successful bidder for carrying out a Stage 2 Road Safety Audit on behalf of TSP Projects. Their team were committed to the tight programme, and not only did they undertake the audit and agree terms and conditions in a short space of time they were receptive and flexible with planning the […]

Construction Traffic Management Plan

Mon 15 April 2019

Sanderson Associates have been very helpful for us and our clients. They proved efficiency and competitive pricing. Thank you for your services. Andreea Raicu, Architect, Tang & Associates Ltd

Flood Risk Assessment, Testimonial, Industrial Development, Sheffield

Tue 19 March 2019

Sanderson’s were a great in helping us with our planning application for a new material silo at our manufacturing base in Sheffield. Darren was efficient and swift in his discussions with the council on the need for a flood risk assessment on the site. Darren’s knowledge of the site and surrounding area and consequent discussions […]

Travel Plan

Wed 21 November 2018

We have worked with Ashley, found the service very professional, efficient and cost-effective. We received the surveys and reports on time and were kept fully appraised with everything, excellent service all round. Recommend using Sanderson again in the future. Thank you, Al Ihsan Trust

Access Appraisal in Support of the Reinstatement of Access to a Residential Dwelling

Tue 7 August 2018

Brett, I would just like to pass on my personal thanks for the assistance you offered us in our planning application to reinstate an unused driveway into our renovation property. From the initial contact with the office staff, through the quote and the carrying out of the road survey, drawings, and associated work through to […]

Transport Assessment, Transport Statement, Department of TransportTravel Plan, Planning Application, Transport Scoping Study, TRICS database, Section 106, Section 278 Highways Act, Vehicle Traffic, Public Transport