8.1 Transport Networks

Aim 

To enhance local transport networks and promote active travel for community benefit.

8.1.1 Relationship to the transport network

(up to 27 points in Strategy Phase)

Scope

Scope out for projects having no permanent effect on the level of service provided by existing transport networks.

Assessment Criteria

8.1.1.1 In the case of a transport project, the project provides improved levels of service and extends to all modes in a way that delivers improved integration.

8.1.1.2 In the case of a non-transport project, the site has been selected because the project (a) requires no or minimal new transport infrastructure and/or (b) mainly makes use of public transport systems.

Guidance

A sustainable project places few demands on the construction of new transport infrastructure and existing services. Where additional demands exist or are justified, then it is important that they be matched by increased transport capacity that enables no significant loss in the level of service available to existing users.

Evidence

Found in an Environmental Statement(ES) or Transport Impact Assessment(TIA).

8.1.2 Transport effects of the completed projects

(37 points in Design Phase)

Scope

Scope out for projects that: generate no additional traffic impact (for example flood defences or pipelines) or are wholly or essentially refurbishments).

Assessment Criteria

The project team has considered and incorporated measures that reduce relevant, transport-related impacts of the completed project on the local community.

Guidance

Road schemes may score if they reduce the overall volume of traffic by, for example, developing bus or cycle lanes. In addition, redesigning a junction may make that part of the road network more-efficient, thus reducing congestion and thus emissions. Such projects are now considered to be an important part of the better management of the road network so, if this can be demonstrated, then credits should be awarded.

The issues that could be relevant include:

• Severance
• Ease of use (signs and communications)
• Safety
• Congestion
• Parking spaces
• Inconvenience

Evidence

Found in an ES, TIA, drawings and plans.

8.1.3 Access for pedestrians and cyclists

(25 points in Design Phase)

Scope

This applies to any site that was publicly accessible prior to development. It can be scoped out where the site is of necessity a secure site where public access is inappropriate.

Assessment Criteria

There has been a consultation on, or consideration given to, the ability of pedestrians and cyclists to pass through the site on dedicated paths and to establishing links with existing and proposed routes to local services.

Guidance

When introducing a new built feature into the landscape, issues regarding public access and security need to be addressed during the planning and design stages. If a scheme results in the closing-off to the public of previously accessible areas, there has to be a trade-off between the loss of accessible land and the provision of public access. This could be the provision of new access routes, such as bridleways, cycle paths or walkways,  or the enhancement of existing routes or amenity features. Consideration of the balance can also result in preventing public access on health and safety grounds and to avoid nuisance.

Please not that this applies to any site that was publicly accessible prior to development for formal or informal amenity use, for example, for walking, dog walking or as informal play area. Such areas, even where not formally protected, can have an important amenity value for the local community and some compensation for the loss of that amenity should be made where possible. Any such compensation scheme should also include maintenance arrangements to ensure its long-term success.

Evidence

Include consultation meetings with councils or other local groups, or evidence from drawings or other design documents that show consideration of open space and/or public access.

8.1.4 Need for additional transport infrastructure

(37 points in Strategy Phase)

Scope

This should be scoped out for projects that are on or creating new elements of transport infrastructure. It can also be scoped out for civil engineering projects that generate no additional impacts from traffic. Examples include food defences, pipelines, and new water or sewage treatment works where, after construction, traffic may well be reduced as fewer staff may work on the new plant. Minor access works can be scoped out.

Assessment Criteria

The project does not require provision of, or increase the need for, additional transport infrastructure.

Guidance

The requirement is not necessarily about demand on the transport network but the ability of the transport network to absorb any demand the project places on the network. A project with significant demands that can be absorbed by existing transport infrastructure can score, whereas a more-modest project that requires additional transport infrastructure will not.

Evidence

Report of TIA or similar.

8.1.5 Enhanced operational transport outcomes

(15 points in Design Phase)

Scope

The decision to scope out will depend on the nature, scale, location and context of the project.

Assessment Criteria

There is evidence from the design process that Designers have worked beyond the standards specified in the design codes to deliver enhanced operational transport outcomes.

Guidance

Suitable evidence would be where departures from standards have been sought from the regulatory authorities, or where a novel technique or approach has been adopted that does not feature as standard industry practice.

Evidence

In the form of minutes of meetings or other reports documenting consideration of alternative approaches or community engagement.

8.1.6 Community consultation on the design objectives

(up to 30 points in Design Phase)

Scope

The decision to scope out will depend on the nature, scale, location and context of the project.

Assessment Criteria

There is evidence from the design process that the community affected by the project has been involved in specifying the design objectives.

Guidance

Community consultation on the design objectives Community engagement in the project specification may be demonstrable from the identification of projects within local plans or consultation with the community on the design objectives to be applied before the design process commences. Hence, consultation events would need to be held at the project inception rather than at the optioneering or project consent stage.

Evidence

In the form of minutes of meetings or other reports documenting consideration of alternative approaches or community engagement.

8.1.7 Resilience of the transport network

(11 points in Strategy and Design Phase)

Scope

Scope out where the project has little or no impact upon the transport network.

Assessment Criteria

The resilience and recovery of the transport network has been considered during the design process.

Guidance

Resilience and recovery of the transport network is to be considered in terms of the ability of the asset to return to normal levels of service following severe weather, terrorism, and unusual events.

Evidence

In the ES or TIA report.

8.1.8 Adaptability of the transport network

(10 points in Strategy and Design Phase)

Scope

Scope out where the project has little or no impact upon the transport network.

Assessment Criteria

The design delivers a transport network with improved ability to accommodate future change.

Guidance

This seeks to recognise that enhancements to the transport network may incorporate some level of futureproofing. It also recognises that a project may deliver benefits for other planned projects such as through financial contributions or additional capacity.

Futureproofing is to be considered in terms of the project's design life, adaptability, allowance for future provision and aiding delivery of future projects.

Evidence

In the ES or TIA report.

8.1.9 Performance for non-motorised users

(up to 15 points in Design Phase)

Scope

Scope out where the project has little or no impact upon all modes of transport.

Assessment Criteria

The project team has provided measures that improve the level of performance for non-motorised users either within or outside the project site.

Guidance

With an increasingly elderly population who will be less mobile, measures that ease their transport needs are to be recognised. Vulnerable members of the community not only include groups such as the elderly and people with mobility difficulties but could also include children and women, particularly if road safety or safety at night is a consideration.

Evidence

Form of plans, drawing and photographs to demonstrate delivery. Consideration of the needs of such members of society during adverse weather and at night should be part of the evidence provided.

 

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