What Are Pedestrian Assessments?
Pedestrian Assessments evaluate the safety, comfort, and accessibility of walking routes and crossings around a development site. These assessments provide essential insights into the impact of developments on pedestrian infrastructure and ensure compliance with planning policies, including the London Plan.

Key Types of Pedestrian Assessments:

1. Active Travel Zone (ATZ) Assessment

   • Evaluates walking, cycling, and public transport connectivity near a site.

   • Identifies opportunities to promote active and sustainable travel.

2. Pedestrian Comfort Assessment

   • Measures comfort levels on pedestrian pathways, considering factors like width, street furniture, and pedestrian flow.

   • Assigns a Pedestrian Comfort Level (PCL) to help identify improvements.

3. Pedestrian Crossing Assessment

   • Analyses the ease and safety of crossing roads, considering traffic volumes, pedestrian demand, and vehicle speeds.

   • Provides recommendations for crossing improvements.

4. PV2 Crossing Assessment

   • Evaluates the conflict level between pedestrians and vehicles at specific locations, using the PV² metric.

5. Pedestrian Site Assessment

   • Documents site-specific details, including layout, visibility, and vehicle speeds, with photographic evidence and mapping.
      

Why Are Pedestrian Assessments Important?

Pedestrian assessments ensure that developments:

• Provide safe and efficient routes for pedestrians.

• Align with Vision Zero by reducing road safety risks.

• Support the Healthy Streets Approach, promoting active and sustainable travel.

• Enhance accessibility to public transport, cycling infrastructure, and community facilities.

• Minimise conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles.
   

CTP’s Pedestrian Assessment Expertise

At CTP, we specialise in delivering comprehensive pedestrian and active travel assessments tailored to meet local authority requirements and industry best practices.

Our Services Include:

1. Active Travel Planning and Design

   • Creating integrated networks that improve walking and cycling routes.

   • Supporting multi-modal transportation strategies.

2. Healthy Streets Integration

   • Ensuring developments meet Healthy Streets indicators, such as pedestrian safety, air quality, and accessibility.

3. Data-Driven Analysis

   • Collecting, analysing, and reporting data on pedestrian flow, comfort, and safety.

   • Using industry-standard methodologies such as Pedestrian Comfort Levels (PCL) and PV² metrics.

4. Sustainability and Compliance

   • Aligning assessments with local and national policies, including the London Plan and borough-specific guidelines.

5. Customised Recommendations

   • Delivering actionable insights to improve pedestrian infrastructure, crossings, and connectivity.
      

Benefits of Active Travel and Pedestrian Planning

Efficient pedestrian and active travel planning offer far-reaching social, environmental, and economic benefits, including:

• Improved Safety: Reducing conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians.

• Healthier Lifestyles: Encouraging walking and cycling to improve public health.

• Reduced Congestion: Minimising vehicle dependency and traffic.

• Enhanced Community Accessibility: Connecting people to essential amenities and public transport.

• Lower Environmental Impact: Supporting sustainable travel and reducing emissions.
   

Case Studies and Experience

Our team has supported local authorities and developers across the UK, delivering pedestrian assessments that inform transport strategies, enhance community accessibility, and promote sustainable development.

Examples include:

• Developing Active Travel Zones (ATZs) for residential developments to connect communities with public transport and local amenities.

• Conducting Pedestrian Comfort Assessments for high-traffic commercial areas, improving pathways and reducing congestion.

• Supporting borough-wide walking and cycling initiatives aligned with Vision Zero goals.