Traffic Impact Assessments

A Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA), also known as a Transport Impact Assessment, is a crucial step in the development process for any project that may affect the surrounding road network. It provides a detailed analysis that assesses the potential parking and/or traffic impacts of a proposed development. At StudioWAY, we have extensive experience in preparing comprehensive TIAs that meet the requirements of local councils and road authorities. Our substantial knowledge and experience has led to a strong track record of successful approvals.

What does a TIA involve?

Our TIAs typically include:

• Existing Conditions Analysis: We evaluate the existing traffic conditions in the vicinity of the proposed development, including traffic volumes, parking demands, road geometry, pedestrian activity, sustainable transport availability and existing traffic control devices.
• Planning Provisions: We review all relevant Planning Scheme provisions that are applicable to the subject site from a traffic perspective, including zones and overlays, and associated planning controls. We also deep dive into any applicable requirements that are not covered in the Planning Scheme from Councils and other authorities (such as fire and services authorities). We’ll make an effort to reach out to authorities early on when necessary. Making sure all bases are covered early is critical to ensuring a smooth planning application.
• Car Parking Demand Assessment: We assess the parking demand generated by the development and determine the appropriate number of car parking spaces, considering factors such as local planning requirements, peak parking demand, and accessibility needs. This may include providing justification for a reduction of the relevant statutory requirements.
• Bicycle Parking Assessment: We assess the need for bicycle parking facilities and provide recommendations on the number, type, and location of bicycle parking spaces to encourage cycling and support sustainable transport choices.
• Parking & Access Design Assessment: We evaluate the design of parking areas and access points to ensure they are safe, efficient, and comply with relevant standards and guidelines. This includes considering factors such as vehicle circulation, pedestrian access, and accessible parking provisions.
• Loading & Waste Collection Assessment: We assess the loading and waste collection needs of the development and provide recommendations on the design and location of loading docks, waste storage areas, and access routes to minimise disruption to traffic flow and ensure efficient operations.
• Trip Generation Estimation: Using case study data or other methods, we predict the number of vehicle trips that the proposed development will generate. This includes considering factors such as the development’s size, land use, and operational characteristics.
• Traffic Impact Analysis: We assess the impact of the development-generated traffic on the surrounding road network, including intersections, access points, and pedestrian facilities. This analysis often involves traffic modelling using SIDRA to predict future traffic conditions with and without the development.
• Mitigation Measures: If found necessary, we develop practical and effective mitigation measures to address any identified traffic impacts. These may include:
  • Roadway improvements: Such as widening roads, adding lanes, or modifying intersections.
  • Traffic management plans: To minimise disruption during construction.
  • Access management strategies: To optimise traffic flow and safety.
  • Public transport improvements: To encourage sustainable travel choices.
• Reporting: We prepare clear and concise TIA reports that present our findings and recommendations in a format that is easily understood by decision-makers, stakeholders, and the community.

Why is a TIA important?

A well-prepared Traffic Impact Assessment Report is essential for:

• Gaining development approval: Local councils and state transport departments (such as DTP, TfNSW, DMR, DSG) require TIAs to assess the parking and traffic impacts of proposed developments and ensure they align with planning schemes and transport network objectives.
• Minimising traffic congestion: TIAs help identify potential traffic bottlenecks and develop solutions to mitigate congestion.
• Improving safety: By analysing potential safety risks, TIAs help ensure that developments are designed and operated in a way that prioritises the safety of all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
• Enhancing community amenity: TIAs help ensure that developments contribute to a well-functioning and accessible transport network that supports the needs of the community.

Our Expertise

The team at StudioWAY has a proven track record over ~20 years of delivering high-quality TIAs for many thousands of developments, including residential, commercial, childcare, hospital, industrial, mixed-use projects and more. We have long-standing relationships with numerous Councils and understand their individual nuances when it comes to reviewing planning applications.

We always work closely with our clients to understand their project needs and deliver TIAs that are robust, defensible, and contribute to successful development outcomes.

Related Services

We also provide the following services that are often required as part of a development application or as permit conditions:

• Waste Management Plans (WMPs)
• Green Travel Plans (GTPs)
• Car Parking Management Plans (CPMPs)
• Traffic Management Plans (TMPs)
• Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) reports including Sustainable Design Assessments (SDAs) and Sustainable Management Plans (SMPs), in partnership with other specialists.

Get in Touch

Contact us today to discuss your TIA requirements and how we can help your development application succeed.