Resources

The national integrated transport assessment guidelines used by practitioners in New Zealand only provide guidance for the assessment of significant sized developments, setting out the approach to be taken with varying assessment levels relative to size. It is becoming increasingly evident there are cases when small-scale developments, which do not trigger the lower thresholds for assessment, are having an effect either individually or cumulatively on the transportation network. In these instances, it may be necessary for the impacts of these small-scale developments to be assessed in an appropriate manner. 

This research investigated if and how the potential effects of small-scale developments should be identified and in doing so has provided an opportunity to fully understand if the absence of national guidelines is limiting the opportunity for effective network management and land use planning. Both Auckland and Christchurch have gone through a process of identifying appropriate thresholds that will trigger the need for an integrated transport assessment through a high trip generator rule. This has resulted in extensive discussions amongst practitioners regarding the appropriate extent of assessment based on the size, scale and location of development. This research assists the debate by resolving a number of core issues.

Keywords: integrated transport assessments, land use development, resource consents, transport planning