We prepare development trip rates to establish realistic levels of movement associated with proposed development. Our work covers person trip rates and mode-specific trip generation, including vehicle, pedestrian, cycle and public transport trips, providing a robust basis for early feasibility, planning strategy and assessment scoping.
Understanding how people and vehicles will move is fundamental to shaping access design, infrastructure requirements and planning outcomes.
What are development trip rates?
Development trip rates describe the expected number of trips generated by a development, typically applied to the land use and scale of development. These can include person trips across all modes, as well as vehicle trip rates and traffic generation forecasts used to assess highway impact.
Trip rates are used to inform access strategy, junction capacity checks, transport assessments and discussions with highway authorities, particularly at early stages where assumptions need to be tested carefully.
Our development trip rate work is tailored to the site and proposal and typically includes:
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Person trip rates covering all modes
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Mode-specific trip generation, including vehicle, cycle and pedestrian trips
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Vehicle trip rates and traffic generation forecasts
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Use of the industry-standard TRICS database
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Selection and interrogation of comparable TRICS sites
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Bespoke surveys of similar or nearby developments where appropriate
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First-principles forecasting calculations based on vehicle capacities and volume/weight of materials
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Clear explanation of assumptions, methodology and outputs
The value of robust trip rate analysis lies in understanding not just how many vehicles a development may generate, but how people and goods will move overall. By considering person trips, mode share and site-specific operational characteristics, we help clients avoid reliance on generic assumptions that can misrepresent impact. This approach supports proportionate assessment, more accurate forecasting and better-informed decisions about access design, infrastructure provision and mitigation. It also provides a credible, transparent basis for early dialogue with highway authorities and other stakeholders, grounded in evidence and professional judgement.
When development trip rates are needed
Development trip rates are commonly prepared:
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At feasibility or pre-purchase stage
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To test development scale or land use mix
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To inform access junction and layout design
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Ahead of pre-application discussions
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To scope Transport Assessments or Statements
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For strategic land promotion or Local Plan submissions
Early clarity on trip generation supports more efficient progression through planning.
Our approach
We take a clear, proportionate approach to trip rate assessment:
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Understand the development type, scale and operation
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Identify appropriate data sources and methods
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Apply TRICS data, bespoke surveys or first-principles forecasting as required
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Test assumptions against site context and accessibility
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Present outputs clearly with explanation of implications
Our focus is on realism, transparency and decision-focused advice.
Who we support
We prepare development trip rates for:
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Residential and mixed-use developments
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Commercial and employment uses
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Retail and leisure schemes
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Education and healthcare projects
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Energy, logistics and infrastructure sites
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Strategic and phased developments
Our experience across England, Scotland and Wales ensures trip rate work aligns with local authority expectations and scrutiny.
Need clear, defensible trip rates for your development?
Get in touch and we will provide proportionate, evidence-led trip generation advice to support your next steps.
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