A transport assessment specialist prepares the Transport Assessment (TA) that forms a mandatory part of most major planning applications. The TA quantifies the transport impacts of a development - trip generation, distribution, network assignment, junction capacity and queuing - and proposes mitigation measures to make the development acceptable to the highway authority. The specialist manages the scoping process with the highway authority, undertakes or commissions traffic surveys, builds or uses junction capacity models, and negotiates the package of transport improvements to be secured through Section 106 planning obligations or Section 278 highway agreements.
What they do
- Scope Transport Assessment requirements with the highway authority
- Manage traffic count surveys and junction turning movement counts
- Calculate trip generation using TRICS database and first principles
- Model junction capacity using LINSIG, ARCADY and PICADY
- Assess network impact using SATURN or VISSIM models
- Prepare Transport Assessment reports for planning submission
- Write EIA transport chapters for Environmental Statements
- Negotiate Section 106 transport obligations with the highway authority
When you need one
A transport assessment specialist is required for major planning applications where the development is likely to have significant transport impacts - typically residential developments of 100 or more units, large commercial or retail schemes, and any development in a transport-sensitive location.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Transport Assessment | £2,000 - £8,000+ |
| SATURN or VISSIM traffic model | £3,000 - £12,000+ |
| EIA transport chapter | £2,500 - £8,000 |
| Section 106 transport negotiation | £1,000 - £3,000 |
| Transport Assessment Addendum | £800 - £2,500 |
| Hourly rate | £80 - £145 / hr |
Costs for Transport Assessments vary significantly with the size and complexity of the development and the sophistication of the traffic modelling required. Traffic survey costs are additional. Always agree the scope and survey methodology before commencing work.
Qualifications to look for
The primary qualification for transport assessment specialists. MCIHT is required or strongly preferred by most local highway authorities when reviewing Transport Assessments for major planning applications. Check at ciht.org.uk.
TPS Practitioner status (TPP) demonstrates specialist competence in transport planning and assessment, complementing MCIHT. TPS membership is widely held by transport assessment specialists working on major applications. Check at tps.org.uk.
How to find a reputable transport assessment specialist
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Transport Statement and a Transport Assessment?
A Transport Statement is a lighter-touch document for smaller developments with modest transport impacts - it describes the site access arrangements, trip generation and sustainable transport measures without detailed modelling. A Transport Assessment is required for larger developments likely to have significant transport impacts - it includes detailed traffic surveys, modelling of peak-hour flows, junction capacity assessments, mitigation measures and a Travel Plan.
What is SATURN?
SATURN (Simulation and Assignment of Traffic to Urban Road Networks) is a traffic modelling software package used to test the impact of development on the road network. It assigns traffic from a zone system to the road network and calculates delays and journey times. SATURN models are used by highway authorities and transport consultants to assess the cumulative impact of major planning applications and test junction improvements.
What mitigation measures can be included in a Transport Assessment?
Mitigation measures in a Transport Assessment can include junction improvements, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, a Travel Plan to reduce car trips, Real Time Passenger Information, bus stop improvements, electric vehicle charging provision, cycle parking, car club membership for residents, public transport contributions and changes to trip generation assumptions through car parking restrictions. The package of measures is negotiated with the highway authority as part of the planning process.