Traffic data for noise and air quality assessments.
Traffic survey and forecasting inputs for acoustic and air quality consultants, with consistent links, vehicle classes and assessment scenarios.
Noise and air quality consultants need traffic inputs that match their assessment method. We coordinate those requirements with the transport evidence so the team works from a clear, traceable set of assumptions.
Agree the data specification with the specialist
We confirm the road links, direction, vehicle categories, periods, speeds, assessment years and scenarios with the acoustic or air quality consultant before commissioning surveys.
Air quality work commonly uses Annual Average Daily Traffic and vehicle composition. Noise methods may require different daytime, evening or night periods, or an 18 hour flow. The specialist confirms the exact inputs; these measures are not interchangeable.
Separate observations, adjustments and forecasts
We identify suitable count data, document gaps and agree how any seasonal adjustment or annualisation will be undertaken. A weekday peak hour or short count cannot simply be labelled annual average traffic.
We build the agreed baseline and future cases, distinguishing background assumptions, committed development and the proposed scheme. The assessment years and growth assumptions are agreed for the commission rather than selected by default.
Provide a consistent handover
We can prepare a link plan and traffic schedule showing units, directions, periods, classifications and scenarios. Changes to the layout, development quantum or construction programme are checked for their effect on those inputs.
The data handover records sources, survey dates, factors and limitations. Where available evidence is unsuitable, we identify the need for further collection or an agreed sensitivity test.
- Road link identifiers and a corresponding plan
- Flows and vehicle splits for agreed periods
- Speed assumptions and their basis
- Baseline, future and development scenarios
- Documented factors, checks and limitations
Keep assessment responsibilities clear
Ripple provides the commissioned transport data and traffic analysis. The acoustic and air quality specialists select their assessment methods, undertake their modelling and determine the environmental effects.
Construction traffic can be scoped separately, with the programme, daily or peak movements, vehicle types and routes agreed with the construction and environmental teams.
Your brief and our fee
Send the site, specialist data request, road network, assessment years, development details and available counts. We will identify what can be used, what needs surveying and the work required to prepare a coordinated dataset.
We confirm the deliverables, information needed, programme and fee before starting. Survey costs, third party charges and additional design or consultation are identified in the scope. We do not promise a council decision date or an approval.
Useful next steps.
Related services: Classified ATC surveys · Survey specification and commissioning · Trip generation.
Guidance and national scope
- Department for Transport: data sources and surveysSurvey principles and data sources. The project brief and relevant authority determine the survey required; not every small planning application needs a transport model.
- Defra and devolved administrations: air quality assessment toolsThe air quality consultant confirms the current tool, vehicle categories, traffic inputs and assessment method.
- Defra: explaining strategic noise mappingBackground on road traffic noise inputs. Strategic mapping is not a substitute for a site specific acoustic assessment.
Sources checked 19 October 2026. The commission confirms the applicable national and local procedure.
Tell us what needs resolving.
Send the location, proposed development and the next decision your team needs to make.