Traffic impact statement (TIS)
Stalled DA because council wants a traffic report? A Traffic Impact Statement is usually the fix.
It's a concise technical report demonstrating that your development's traffic generation, parking, and access arrangements won't create unsafe or inefficient conditions on the surrounding road network. A TIS is commonly requested for smaller developments where impacts are expected to be localised and a more extensive network assessment is not warranted.
When a TIS may be appropriate
A TIS may suit a smaller development or change of use where the likely traffic impacts are localised and detailed intersection modelling is not expected. The appropriate report scope is determined by the development type, consent authority, road environment and applicable planning controls.
What's inside the report
Existing conditions & site analysis — your development's location, the surrounding road network, intersections, road classification, existing traffic controls, and nearby public transport, footpath and cycleway access
Traffic generation & parking assessment — expected peak-hour vehicle trips using council or TfNSW rates, a car parking demand check, and confirmation the layout complies with AS 2890.1
Impact analysis & recommendations — effect on local street performance and safety, access point review, driver sightlines, internal circulation, and mitigation where needed
Councils commonly expect a TIS to be prepared by a suitably qualified traffic engineer. Registration or certification requirements depend on the jurisdiction, development type and requested deliverable.
A report that does not demonstrate appropriate technical competence, evidence or project-specific assessment may be rejected or returned for further information.
Common questions
What's the difference between a TIS and a full TIA?
Scale. A TIS suits smaller developments with localised impact; a TIA is the in-depth study for large-scale projects with network-wide impact, including intersection modelling.
Do I need a TIS for a simple change of use or small extension?
Possibly — a change of use, say retail to restaurant, carries different traffic and parking characteristics council must assess, even without new building works. Worth checking before assuming it's not required.
What happens if the TIS identifies a problem, like a parking shortfall?
We propose a viable fix — revised access design, a parking management plan, or other mitigation — so the concern is resolved with engineering justification, not left open.
What do you need from me to get started?
A full set of architectural plans (site, floor, elevations), the site address, and a clear project description — dwellings, GFA, or patron and employee numbers, depending on land use.
Send us the drawings. We'll tell you what you need.
2. Plans, if they exist
3. A description of the works
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