A primary cause of delay or rejection in the planning application / development application (DA) process is incomplete or incorrect traffic documentation. Developers, architects, and planners frequently face a critical question: does my specific project require a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA), or is a traffic management plan necessary for council submission? This uncertainty, compounded by varying council requirements and a confusing array of industry acronyms (TIA, TMP, TGS), can lead to significant and costly setbacks in your project timeline.
This article provides the clarity required to move forward with confidence. We have developed a definitive checklist outlining the specific project types and development scales that trigger the need for a professional traffic report. By reading this guide, you will understand exactly which type of assessment your project requires, ensuring your planning application / development application (DA) is complete, compliant with local council and Australian Standards, and positioned for an efficient approval process. Avoid the risk of rejection and secure your development consent without unnecessary delays.
Decoding Council Requirements: TIA vs. TMP for Your Planning Application / Development Application (DA)
When lodging a planning application / development application (DA), local councils require professional evidence that your project will not adversely affect the existing road network. Developers are often asked for a "traffic report," a general term that covers several distinct and specialised documents. The specific report required depends entirely on the scale of your development and the nature of its activities, both during construction and upon completion.
Understanding the distinction between these reports is critical for a successful application. The following video is about a construction traffic management plan.
The following video is about a traffic impact assessment (TIA).
Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA)
A Traffic Impact Assessment is the most common report required for a new development or a significant change of use. Its purpose is to analyse and quantify the traffic effects of a completed project on the surrounding road network. A TIA focuses on the long-term operational impact, assessing key metrics such as:
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Parking demand and compliance with Australian Standards (AS 2890.1).
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Service vehicle access and egress (AS 2890.2).
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Traffic generation during peak hours.
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Performance of nearby intersections post-development.
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Site access and internal circulation design.
Traffic Management Plan (TMP) / Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP)
Aconstruction traffic management plan, often called a CTMP, deals exclusively with traffic impacts during the construction phase. Unlike a TIA, it is not concerned with the final operation of the site. Instead, it is a detailed operational document that forms a key part of the project’s overall transportation planning strategy. It outlines procedures for truck routes, delivery schedules, worker parking, and pedestrian safety measures to minimise disruption. While often a condition of consent after a TIA is approved, a CTMP may be required upfront for large or complex construction projects.
Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS)
A Traffic Guidance Scheme, also known as a Traffic Control Plan (TCP), is a technical component within a broader TMP. It consists of detailed diagrams illustrating the precise layout of temporary traffic control measures for a specific activity. This includes the exact placement of signs, cones, barriers, and traffic controllers. A TGS is mandatory for any work that directly impacts public roads, vehicle access ways, or footpaths, ensuring the safety of workers and the public.
The Definitive Checklist: 7 Triggers That Mandate a Traffic Report
For developers and architects, navigating the planning application / development application (DA) process requires meticulous risk management. A common point of failure is underestimating a project’s traffic impact. Submitting a DA without a required traffic report could lead to delays or outright rejection. Government bodies have stringent assessment criteria, making professional due diligence essential.
This checklist outlines the primary triggers that almost certainly mandate a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) or report. If your project meets one or more of these criteria, engaging a traffic engineer early is a critical step. Always consult the specific local council’s Development Control Plan (DCP) for definitive thresholds.
1. Significant Increase in Traffic Generation
Any development projected to add a substantial number of new vehicle trips to the local road network will require assessment. Councils use established trip generation rates, often based on RMS/TfNSW technical guides, to quantify this impact. The trigger is not just the number of dwellings or the gross floor area, but the intensity of use.
- Common Examples: Childcare centres, medical facilities, medium-to-high density residential developments, service stations, and fast-food outlets.
2. Change of Land Use
Converting a property from one approved use to another often changes its traffic and parking profile significantly. For example, changing a low-traffic office space into a high-turnover retail store or restaurant introduces new peak hour demands. A traffic report is required to analyse and quantify the net difference in traffic impact between the former and proposed uses.
3. Parking Shortfall or Non-Compliance
Proposing a development with fewer car parking spaces than the minimum rate stipulated in the council’s DCP is a major red flag. In this scenario, a detailed car parking demand assessment is non-negotiable. The report must provide robust justification for the shortfall, typically by demonstrating excellent access to public transport, availability of local on-street parking, or other site-specific factors that mitigate the need for full compliance.
4. Issues with Site Access or Driveways
The location and design of vehicle access points are scrutinised for safety and operational efficiency. A report is mandated when proposing a new driveway on a classified or busy road, near a signalised intersection, or where vehicle and pedestrian sight lines may be compromised. The design must be assessed for compliance with Australian Standard AS 2890.1 to ensure safe entry and exit for all users, which is a core part of any effective response to traffic and transportation matters.
How Councils Scrutinise Your Traffic Report: Key Assessment Criteria
A council traffic engineer’s review is not an arbitrary exercise. It is a systematic assessment to ensure your development integrates safely and efficiently with the existing transport network. The primary objective is to verify that the proposed access and traffic arrangements uphold three core principles: safety, efficiency, and public amenity. A professional traffic report anticipates these requirements, providing clear evidence to satisfy the council’s assessment criteria from the outset.
Compliance with Australian Standards
The first and most fundamental check is for technical compliance. Council engineers meticulously verify that your plans adhere to established Australian Standards, as non-compliance is a primary reason for a Request for Information (RFI), which causes significant project delays. Key areas of focus include:
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Car Park Layouts: Parking bay dimensions, aisle widths, and circulation must strictly meet AS 2890.1 (Off-street car parking) and AS 2890.6 (Parking for people with disabilities).
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Ramp Grades: Driveway ramp grades and transitions are scrutinised to prevent vehicles from ‘bottoming out’.
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Sight Distances: Adequate sight lines for drivers exiting the property onto the road network are a non-negotiable safety requirement.
For sites accommodating larger vehicles, compliance with AS 2890.2 (Off-street commercial vehicle facilities) is also mandatory.
Impact on Local Road Network
Beyond your site’s boundaries, the engineer assesses the development’s effect on the public road network. Your report must demonstrate that the existing infrastructure can absorb the additional traffic load without degrading performance or safety. This analysis must show that queues from vehicles entering your site will not extend back and block through traffic or nearby intersections. The assessment must consider all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. For more complex sites, this analysis forms a key part of a broader transportation management plan designed to mitigate operational impacts.
Parking and Access Amenity
Council assessment also considers the functionality and convenience of the proposed facilities. It is not enough for a design to be merely compliant; it must be practical and safe for all users. The report must validate this through:
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Vehicle Swept Paths: The plans must include swept path diagrams demonstrating that design vehicles—from a standard B85 car to delivery vans or waste collection trucks—can navigate the car park and access points without difficulty.
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Service & Emergency Access: Council must be satisfied that emergency services have clear, unobstructed access. This includes confirming sufficient clearance and turning radii for fire trucks and ambulances.
A professionally prepared report from an experienced consultant addresses these criteria proactively. To ensure your project meets these stringent requirements and minimises delays, contact the experts at ML Traffic Engineers.
The Process: What’s Involved in Preparing a DA-Ready Traffic Report
Preparing a traffic impact assessment for a planning application / development application (DA) is a methodical process grounded in engineering principles and council requirements. Engaging an experienced traffic consultant demystifies this process, ensuring every technical detail is addressed for a smoother assessment. The final report is a critical document that not only supports the DA but often provides the framework for a site’s ongoing response to traffic and transportation matters, ensuring long-term safety and efficiency.
At ML Traffic, our approach is structured and transparent. The senior consultant who provides your quote is the same expert who completes the work, guaranteeing accountability from start to finish.
Step 1: Scoping and Data Collection
The foundation of any robust traffic report is accurate data and a complete understanding of the project’s context. This initial phase involves a detailed review of architectural plans against council’s Planning Schemes, Development Control Plans (DCPs) and relevant Australian Standards. We conduct thorough site visits to observe existing traffic patterns, pedestrian movements, and potential sightline issues that cannot be identified from plans alone. This is followed by sourcing traffic count data from road authorities or, where necessary, commissioning new surveys to capture precise, current traffic volumes.
Step 2: Technical Analysis and Assessment
With foundational data secured, we proceed to rigorous technical analysis. This stage translates raw numbers and site observations into defensible engineering conclusions. Key assessment activities include:
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Parking Demand Assessment: Calculating the required number of parking spaces based on council rates or first-principles surveys to ensure the development is self-sufficient and compliant with AS 2890.1.
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Vehicle Swept Path Analysis: Using software like AutoTURN to model vehicle movements, we verify that all vehicles—from passenger cars to service and emergency trucks—can safely access, manoeuvre, and exit the site.
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Intersection Performance Analysis: For larger developments, we use modelling tools such as SIDRA Intersection to analyse the impact on the local road network, ensuring intersections continue to operate at an acceptable level of service.
Step 3: Report Preparation and Submission
The final step is to consolidate all findings into a comprehensive, planning application / development application (DA) ready document. The report clearly presents the methodology, analysis, and conclusions, with practical recommendations to mitigate any identified impacts. This includes preparing professional technical drawings for driveway access, car park layouts, and line-marking. As part of our service, we manage the submission and liaise directly with council traffic engineers, efficiently addressing any queries or Requests for Information (RFIs) to facilitate a timely approval. This proactive communication is vital for a successful response to traffic and transportation maters, and outcome of the planning application / development application (DA).
Ensure your project is supported by meticulous, expert analysis. Get a quote from the consultant who does the work.
Partner with Traffic Engineering Experts for DA Success
Navigating the requirements for a Development Application is a complex process. As outlined, understanding the specific triggers that mandate a traffic report and the detailed criteria councils use for assessment is fundamental to a successful project. A professionally prepared report, whether a brief Traffic Impact Statement or a more comprehensive Traffic Impact Assessment, is not a formality—it is a critical component that demonstrates due diligence and compliance.
At ML Traffic Engineers, we bring over 30 years of experience working with councils across Australia to every project. Our unique approach guarantees direct access to our principal engineers, and we stand by our promise: the consultant who provides your quote is the expert who completes the work. This ensures unparalleled accountability and a seamless process from start to finish.
Ensure Planning Approval. Contact Our Experts for a Professional Traffic Report.
Let our expertise pave the way for your project’s approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Traffic Management Plan and a Traffic Impact Assessment?
A Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) is a technical report prepared for a planning application / development application (DA). It assesses the potential traffic effects of a proposed development on the surrounding road network. In contrast, a traffic management plan (TMP) is an operational document that outlines specific strategies to manage traffic during the construction or ongoing operation of a site. The TIA is predictive and for planning approval, while the TMP is a practical guide for managing active traffic movements during construction.
How much does a traffic report for a DA typically cost in Australia?
The cost for a traffic report varies based on the project’s scale and complexity. For a small-scale development, such as a duplex or childcare centre, a report may cost between A$2,000 and A$5,000. For larger, more complex projects like a residential flat building or a commercial development requiring detailed traffic modelling, the cost can range from A$5,000 to over A$15,000. The final fee is determined by the specific requirements of the local council and road authority.
How long does it take to prepare a Traffic Impact Assessment report?
The turnaround time for a Traffic Impact Assessment depends on the scope of work. A straightforward report for a small development with clear council guidelines can often be completed within one to two weeks. Larger projects that necessitate traffic surveys, detailed intersection analysis, or extensive consultation with authorities can take four to six weeks or longer. Engaging a traffic consultant early is crucial to ensure DA submission timelines are met without delay.
My project is small. Do I still need a traffic report?
Yes, most local councils require a traffic report or statement even for small projects. Any development that generates new vehicle movements, proposes new vehicle access, or impacts on-street parking will likely require an assessment. This is to ensure the proposal complies with relevant Australian Standards and does not adversely affect road safety or local traffic conditions. It is essential to verify the specific requirements with the consent authority before lodging your planning application / development application (DA).
Can a poorly prepared traffic report lead to my Planning Application / Development Application (DA) being rejected?
Absolutely. A traffic report that is inaccurate, incomplete, or fails to adequately address council’s planning controls is a significant reason for planning application / development application (DA) rejection or lengthy delays. The report must be prepared by a qualified traffic engineer and demonstrate full compliance with council and Austroads guidelines. A substandard report undermines the entire application and signals a lack of professional due diligence, making it a high-risk factor for refusal by council planners.
What is a Swept Path Analysis and is it part of a standard traffic report?
A Swept Path Analysis is a technical drawing that models the path of a design vehicle to ensure it can manoeuvre safely and efficiently. It is used to verify that driveways, parking aisles, loading docks, and ramps can accommodate the intended vehicles without conflicting with buildings, kerbs, or other cars. For most DAs involving new or altered access arrangements, a Swept Path Analysis is a standard and essential component of the traffic report, demonstrating compliance with Australian Standard AS 2890.1.