A transport planner is an MCIHT-chartered professional who assesses the transport and highway impacts of development proposals and advises on access design and mitigation measures. Transport planners are required on almost all significant planning applications - residential developments of 10+ units, commercial developments generating notable traffic and any scheme proposing a new or altered vehicle access onto the public highway. They liaise with the local highway authority throughout the planning process, respond to highway objections and negotiate Section 106 transport contributions on behalf of developers.
What they do
- Prepare Transport Assessments and Transport Statements for planning applications
- Carry out traffic surveys and analyse data to establish baseline conditions
- Assess the transport impact of proposed development on the local highway network
- Design access strategy and parking provision for new development
- Prepare Travel Plans to encourage sustainable travel modes
- Negotiate Section 106 transport contributions with local authorities
- Advise on Section 278 highway improvements required as planning conditions
- Provide pre-application highway advice before planning submission
When you need one
A transport planner is needed for most planning applications involving residential or commercial development, new highway access or where the local planning authority requires a Transport Assessment or Statement.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Transport Statement | £900 - £2,500 |
| Transport Assessment | £2,000 - £8,000+ |
| Travel Plan preparation | £800 - £2,000 |
| Travel Plan monitoring (annual) | £400 - £800 / year |
| Access and junction design | £1,500 - £5,000 |
| Parking survey | £400 - £1,000 |
| Hourly rate | £75 - £140 / hr |
Transport Assessment costs depend heavily on the scale and complexity of the scheme and the scope required by the highway authority. Larger schemes requiring traffic modelling will cost significantly more.
Qualifications to look for
MCIHT is the primary professional qualification for transport planners and highways engineers. It demonstrates competence in transport assessment, access design and highway matters relevant to planning. Most local highway authorities expect MCIHT membership from appointed consultants. Check membership at ciht.org.uk.
TPS membership and the Transport Planning Professional (TPP) qualification demonstrate specialist competence in transport planning. Commonly held alongside MCIHT by transport planners with a focus on planning applications and travel behaviour.
How to find a transport planner
Frequently asked questions
When is a Transport Assessment required?
Local planning authorities use thresholds in their local plan or development policies to decide when a Transport Assessment is required - typically for residential development over 80-100 units, retail over 1,000 sq m or other uses generating significant traffic. A Transport Statement (a lighter-touch document) is required for smaller developments. The local highway authority should be consulted at pre-application stage to establish the scope required.
What is a Travel Plan?
A package of measures to encourage sustainable travel to a development - including information on public transport, walking and cycling, car share schemes and car club membership. Often required as a planning condition and subject to annual monitoring. The transport planner prepares the Travel Plan and agrees the monitoring framework with the highway authority.
What is a Section 106 transport contribution?
A planning obligation under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 requiring a developer to contribute to off-site highway improvements, bus services, cycling infrastructure or other transport measures to mitigate the impact of the development. The transport planner negotiates the scope and quantum of Section 106 transport contributions with the local authority.