Residential Travel Plan overview

Travel plans are documents that outline how travel to a site will be managed, with emphasis on promoting the use of sustainable modes of transport. Travel plans are often required as part of planning applications for new developments throughout the UK.

In London, travel plans are typically required for residential developments with at least 25 units, although this varies on a site by site basis.

The travel plan sets targets for travel to and from a site, to ensure that the new site does not result in increased congestion in the local area. For residential sites, the aim of the travel plan is to encourage residents of the site to travel by non-car modes, particularly for regular journeys such as the journey to work or the school run.

Travel plans must be monitored regularly to ensure the targets are met. Typically, travel plans are first monitored once the 'trigger point' is reached, for residential sites this is either a proportion of total occupancy (e.g. 50% occupancy of units, occupancy of 100th unit) or a timescale in relation to occupation of the first unit (e.g. 6 months after initial occupation). If the trigger point for a travel plan is unclear, consult with the borough officer.

Following the trigger point, travel plans should be monitored at least every two years for a total of 5 years. This typically means surveying is undertaken in the first, third and fifth years of occupation. If the targets have not been met by the end of five years, the travel plan should continue to be monitored until targets are met.

Travel planning guidance:

• Travel plans submitted as part of a planning application must adhere to local, regional and national guidance for travel plans
• Local planning policy for travel plans varies between boroughs. The local council website should be referred to for additional information
• Transport for London has produced a comprehensive travel plan guide, 'Travel planning for new development in London'
• The Department for Transport has produced national guidance, 'Good Practice Guidelines: Delivering travel plans through the planning system'
• TfL
• DfT