Transport Statement
A Transport Statement provides a proportionate assessment of the transport implications of a smaller-scale development. Where a full Transport Assessment would be disproportionate to the scale of the proposal, a Transport Statement offers a streamlined alternative that still satisfies the highway authority's need to understand the development's impact on the surrounding transport network.
Typical Cost
£300 – £5,000+
Turnaround
1 – 6 weeks
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What is a Transport Statement?
A Transport Statement (TS) is a concise document that sets out the transport considerations relating to a proposed development. It is lighter in scope and detail than a full Transport Assessment but still addresses the key transport issues including trip generation, access arrangements, parking provision, and accessibility by sustainable modes of travel. The aim is to demonstrate that the development can be accommodated on the highway network without giving rise to unacceptable impacts on road safety or traffic conditions.
When is a Transport Statement required?
A Transport Statement is typically required for developments that fall below the threshold for a full Transport Assessment but still have a material impact on the highway network. Common thresholds include residential developments of 10 to 49 dwellings, retail units between 250 and 800 square metres, office developments of 500 to 2,500 square metres, and changes of use that could alter traffic patterns. The exact threshold varies between highway authorities, and pre-application discussions should always confirm whether a TS or full TA is required.
What does a Transport Statement include?
A Transport Statement typically includes a site description and context, an assessment of the site's accessibility by all modes of transport, an estimate of trip generation based on TRICS or comparable data, a review of the proposed access and parking arrangements, an analysis of personal injury accident data on the local road network, an assessment of likely impacts on the highway network using existing traffic data rather than new surveys, and any measures proposed to encourage sustainable travel.
How much does a Transport Statement cost?
Transport Statements are significantly less expensive than full Transport Assessments. A TS for a small residential scheme of 10 to 30 dwellings typically costs between £1,500 and £4,000. Schemes with more complex access arrangements or those requiring limited junction analysis may cost £4,000 to £7,000. These costs generally include liaison with the highway authority and any necessary revisions following their comments.
Who can prepare a Transport Statement?
Transport Statements should be prepared by transport planning consultants with appropriate qualifications and experience. Members of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) or chartered engineers with transport specialisms are well placed to prepare these documents. While less technically demanding than a full TA, the Transport Statement still requires competent analysis of trip generation, access design, and road safety.
How long does a Transport Statement take?
A Transport Statement can typically be prepared in 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the complexity of the access arrangements and the availability of existing traffic data. Unlike a full Transport Assessment, a TS usually relies on existing publicly available traffic data rather than commissioning new surveys, which reduces preparation time. However, liaison with the highway authority to agree scope and review comments should be factored into the programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a Transport Statement or a Transport Assessment?
The decision depends on the scale and likely transport impact of the development. As a general rule, if your residential development is fewer than 50 dwellings, a Transport Statement is likely sufficient. For larger schemes with more significant traffic generation, a Transport Assessment will be needed. The best approach is to discuss the requirement with the highway authority at pre-application stage, as thresholds vary between councils.
Does a Transport Statement require traffic surveys?
Transport Statements generally rely on existing traffic data rather than commissioning new surveys. This might include data from the local authority, Department for Transport count point data, or information from previous nearby planning applications. However, if the highway authority considers that existing data is insufficient or outdated, they may request limited survey work to support the assessment.
Can a Transport Statement include junction modelling?
While junction modelling is not a standard component of a Transport Statement, the highway authority may request limited modelling if a particular junction is known to be operating close to capacity. In such cases, the TS might include a simple capacity analysis of one or two key junctions. If extensive modelling is required, the highway authority may advise that a full Transport Assessment is more appropriate.
What parking standards should I use in a Transport Statement?
Your Transport Statement should assess parking provision against the local authority's adopted parking standards. These are usually set out in the local plan or a supplementary planning document and specify the number of spaces required for different land uses. Where reduced parking is proposed, the TS should justify this by reference to the site's accessibility by public transport, walking, and cycling.
Do I need a Travel Plan alongside a Transport Statement?
Some highway authorities require a Travel Plan or Travel Plan Statement to accompany a Transport Statement, particularly for employment-generating developments or residential schemes above a certain threshold. A Travel Plan sets out measures to reduce car dependency, such as cycle parking, car-sharing schemes, and public transport information. Check with the highway authority whether a Travel Plan is expected alongside your TS.
What accident data should be included in a Transport Statement?
A Transport Statement should include analysis of personal injury accident records for the local highway network, typically covering the most recent five-year period. This data is available from the highway authority or through the CrashMap database. The analysis should identify any patterns or clusters of accidents that could be affected by or relevant to the proposed development's access arrangements.
Will the highway authority review my Transport Statement?
Yes. The highway authority is a statutory consultee on planning applications with transport implications. They will review your Transport Statement and provide formal comments to the planning authority, recommending approval, refusal, or approval subject to conditions. Their comments carry significant weight in the planning decision. Early engagement with the highway authority helps ensure the TS meets their requirements.
Can a development be refused on the basis of a Transport Statement?
A development can be refused on transport grounds if the Transport Statement fails to demonstrate that the highway impacts are acceptable. Under the NPPF, refusal on highway grounds requires the residual cumulative impact to be severe or for there to be an unacceptable impact on road safety. If the TS shows that impacts can be managed appropriately, the highway authority should not recommend refusal.
How does a Transport Statement address sustainable travel?
A good Transport Statement demonstrates that the site is accessible by modes other than the private car. It should assess the availability and proximity of bus stops, rail stations, cycle routes, and pedestrian footpaths. It should also describe any measures proposed to promote sustainable travel, such as cycle storage, electric vehicle charging points, and public transport information within the development.
Is a Transport Statement needed for a change of use application?
A Transport Statement may be required if the change of use would result in a material change to the volume or character of traffic generated. For example, converting a warehouse to residential use could significantly alter trip patterns and parking demand. The need for a TS depends on the specific circumstances and the highway authority's view of the likely transport impact.