What is a Swept Path Analysis?

A Swept Path Analysis is the calculation and analysis of the movement and path of different parts of a vehicle when that vehicle is undertaking a turning manoeuvre. At a basic level this includes calculating the path taken by each wheel during the turn and also calculating the space needed by the vehicle body during the turn. These forms of calculation used to be carried out by hand, but in recent years, with modern software, the process has been computerised.


Swept Path Analysis

Planning Applications for developments sometimes need to demonstrate that the plan layout can accommodate the movement of vehicles regularly expected by the development. This is because site layouts are becoming increasingly congested to accommodate planning requirements and to achieve viable developments. This has lead to designs being challenged more and more by the planning authority who need to be confident that the proposed layout is fit for purpose, particularly for sites where room for vehicle manoeuvres is limited.
In order for the Local Authority to be confident that the design proposals can accommodate vehicle movements they can request a drawing showing the Swept Path Analysis of vehicles overlaid on the proposed site layout to demonstrate that the vehicles can manoeuvre safely and efficiently within the site layout.

Swept Path Analysis benefits Planners, Architects, Engineers, Developers and site owners as it provides them with the means to assess the turning implications of a wide variety of vehicle types on design layouts at a very early stage in the design process without the need of physically driving or undertaking the manoeuvres. This helps inform the design process and provides a fast and cost efficient method of assessing alternative layouts and sites.
Sanderson Associates have extensive experience in providing Swept Path Analysis using the latest AutoTrack Road Software for a wide variety of major and minor developments throughout the whole of the UK, Isle of Man and Ireland.

We offer a wide range of Swept Path Analysis services including:-

  • Car Park Design and Assessment
  • Petrol Filling Station layouts
  • Vehicle Access/Egress Arrangements
  • Office, Industrial and Retail Servicing areas
  • Fast Food Drive Through
  • Emergency and Refuse Vehicle Analysis for Housing Developments
  • Interrogation of new junctions and Roundabouts
  • Abnormal Load Route Planning
  • Emergency Service Developments

Sanderson Associates have a design team who are able to design and amend site layouts to relevant standards in order to accommodate vehicle Swept Path Analysis.

Don’t Worry

If the vehicle you require assessing is unique or not within our vehicle library, don’t worry Sanderson Associates can create a simulation for all vehicles as long as basic vehicle data is provided.

Also If you do not have an AutoCAD site layout drawing, Sanderson Associates can make/use digital copies of plans, and as long as they are to scale, we are then able to undertake the Swept Path Analysis on the digital plan.

Require Assistance with a Swept Path Analysis?

Sanderson Associates have extensive experience in assisting our Clients with Swept Path Analysis and other Highway Planning Matters for a wide variety of major and minor developments throughout the whole of the UK, Isle of Man and Ireland.

We would welcome the opportunity to provide you with a competitive fee proposal, simply call Sanderson Associates on 01924 844080 and ask to speak to a member of our Design Team or click here to complete our secure online form.


What our Clients' say:

Shaun Sabet, Director – Sequential and Exception Test, Proposed Residential Development

Mon 20 May 2013

We approached Sanderson Associates to provide us with a bespoke report to accompany our Flood Risk Assessment. Due to the specialist nature of our requirement, other consultants turned the job down, but Darren’s enthusiasm and commitment inspired us with confidence. The report was undertaken diligently and in a timely manner and most importantly a clever solution to our problem was identified which has put us … Continue reading →

Alexandra Grieveson, Dealer Principle – Flood Risk Assessment, Commercial Development

Mon 13 May 2013

Sanderson provided a Flood Risk Assessment for a recent acquisition. They liaised with the Environment Agency on our behalf and produced a comprehensive report to support a planning application for a commercial development. Despite a requirement for the plans to be modified, therefore altering the report content, Darren was flexible and customer focused. This was my first experience of working with Sanderson; they were competent … Continue reading →

Thomas Dine, Architect, Flood Risk Assessment – Proposed Residential Development

Thu 25 April 2013

Sanderson Associates provided excellent advice on flood risk in a difficult low-lying area and provided a report which assisted in gaining planning permission, all at a very reasonable cost.

Mr D Round – Individual – Flood Risk Statement

Wed 17 April 2013

On Friday afternoon, before my son was due to exchange contracts for the purchase of his new home, on the following week, he received an adverse report, from his solicitor’s property searches, that the home he was about to purchase could be at risk from pluvial flooding, and was likely to have difficulties with property insurance. This report seemed inaccurate but we couldn’t take the … Continue reading →

Joe Coffey – CD Builders Ltd – Swept Path Analysis (Residential Development)

Tue 26 March 2013

Sandersons provided an extremely efficient service for a competitive price. Nothing was too much trouble for the engineer assigned to our project and his problem solving attitude was admirable

Mrs W Sockett – Planning Consultant – Preliminary Highway Design (Caravan Site)

Thu 21 March 2013

I have used Sanderson Associates for numerous projects and would recommend them to others without question. I have always found them to be friendly, efficient and professional in addition to providing robust and detailed reports/plans.

Mr A Cardillo-Zallo – Swept Path Analysis (Residential Development)

Thu 21 March 2013

Darren and the team at Sanderson Associates proved very useful when I required a Swept Path Analysis for my application site at very short notice. Not only did he complete the task successfully within 6 hours of my request, but made design changes to the parking layout to help meet the Highways Officer’s requirement. A very good service.

Mr A Appleby – Swept Path Analysis (Industrial Warehouse Development)

Wed 13 March 2013

From my initial contact, with Sanderson Associates up to completion and delivery of the analysis, they have been very helpful and professional. The service is thorough, extremely fast, and I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again.

Dr A Wright – Transport Statement (Residential Development)

Fri 25 January 2013

Sanderson Associates were recommended by our architects to help support our planning application. Throughout the process their approach was highly professional and we believe that their help and support was crucial to the success of our project.

Steve Gibson, Director, SGD Ltd – Swept Path Analysis

Wed 7 November 2012

I have used Sanderson’s numerous times for vehicle tracking. They provide a superb service, fast and accurate.

Colin Taylor, Balmain London Ltd – Flood Risk Assessment

Tue 6 November 2012

I write to thank you for all your efforts to complete the Flood Risk Assessment for the Fulham project in such a timely and complete way. We appreciate the service you have given us and will not hesitate to contact you again. We found your report and service to be both thorough and comprehensive throughout.

Nik Bashir, Bella Cars, Huddersfield – Supporting Highway Statement

Wed 24 October 2012

I was recommended Sanderson Associates from my architect. I had just had my planning application refused by the local council. Sanderson’s were most professional, straight to the point and just as keen as me to get the matter resolved. I have been in business for over 12 years and wish I had been introduced to these guys earlier. Adam Darwin was exceptional in his approach … Continue reading →

Tony Whetham, Associate Director, Archial Group

Tue 25 September 2012

I have worked with various members of Sanderson staff over the years and have always found them to be speedy and helpful in preparing and resolving layouts as and when our architectural GA Site plans inevitably get tweaked time and time again by our mutual clients. Best wishes for a prosperous future!

Shiobhain Brennan, Developer, London – Flood Risk Assessment

Mon 10 September 2012

Many thanks for the report and responding so quickly. It is very much appreciated. I will definitely use you again and will be sure to recommend you to fellow developers.

Raymond Harris, Developer, Advice on Section 278 Works

Tue 4 September 2012

It was a pleasure meeting you yesterday and I felt you made tremendous progress and pulled us out of the “land of the unknown”. Your performance was impressive and I thank you. We can now see light at the end of the tunnel.

Swept Path Analysis, Vehicle Swept Path Analysis, Path of Vehicle When Undertaking Turning Manoeuvre, Path Taken by Each Wheel, Space Needed by Vehicle BodyAutoTrack Road Software, Planning Application, Accommodate Movement of Vehicles Viable Development, Planners, Architects, Engineers, Developers, Site Owners