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

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:

Access Feasibility Study, Proposed Private Residential Development – Testimonial

Mon 30 September 2019

I have recently worked on a project with Karen and Ashley at Sanderson’s and they were extremely helpful, professional and worked to my extremely tight deadline. I have no hesitation in recommending this company their attention to detail and professionalism was much appreciated. Rosie Marsh (Private Individual)

Analysis of Speed Survey and Swept Path Analysis

Tue 3 September 2019

Brett and the Sanderson’s team were invaluable to us in obtaining highways consent which in part cleared the way for our planning application to be approved. They provided a proactive professional and personable approach to satisfy and fulfil the Cambridgeshire highways requirements. We recommend them and will use them again. Daykin Waters Waters Developments

Stage 2 Road Safety Audit, Residential, Staffordshire

Tue 16 July 2019

Sanderson Associates were the successful bidder for carrying out a Stage 2 Road Safety Audit on behalf of TSP Projects. Their team were committed to the tight programme, and not only did they undertake the audit and agree terms and conditions in a short space of time they were receptive and flexible with planning the […]

Construction Traffic Management Plan

Mon 15 April 2019

Sanderson Associates have been very helpful for us and our clients. They proved efficiency and competitive pricing. Thank you for your services. Andreea Raicu, Architect, Tang & Associates Ltd

Flood Risk Assessment, Testimonial, Industrial Development, Sheffield

Tue 19 March 2019

Sanderson’s were a great in helping us with our planning application for a new material silo at our manufacturing base in Sheffield. Darren was efficient and swift in his discussions with the council on the need for a flood risk assessment on the site. Darren’s knowledge of the site and surrounding area and consequent discussions […]

Travel Plan

Wed 21 November 2018

We have worked with Ashley, found the service very professional, efficient and cost-effective. We received the surveys and reports on time and were kept fully appraised with everything, excellent service all round. Recommend using Sanderson again in the future. Thank you, Al Ihsan Trust

Access Appraisal in Support of the Reinstatement of Access to a Residential Dwelling

Tue 7 August 2018

Brett, I would just like to pass on my personal thanks for the assistance you offered us in our planning application to reinstate an unused driveway into our renovation property. From the initial contact with the office staff, through the quote and the carrying out of the road survey, drawings, and associated work through to […]

Highway Technical Letter in Support of Residential Development – Testimonial

Thu 25 January 2018

Excellent service, very professional and enabled a very positive response back to the Highways Agency with a site plan we were having difficulties with. I’d highly recommend Sanderson’s. Peter Wilson, Individual

Transport Statement and Access Advice, Residential Development Circa 60 Dwellings – Testimonial

Fri 5 May 2017

During the course of the compiling the report for submission to planning I found Adam Darwin’s attitude and approach was very professional and supportive. We had several issues to resolve and I found him to respond very quickly and produce revised drawing for discussion with an excellent turnaround time. His phone manner and advice were […]

Flood Risk Assessment, Data Centre, Keighley

Wed 8 March 2017

Good communication and persistence coupled with a high level of professional expertise, has enabled what looked initially to be an insurmountable objection to be overcome. J O Steel, J O Steel Consulting, Bingley

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