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 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, New Build House, Testimonial

Wed 15 February 2017

Sandersons were appointed to conduct our swept path analysis study for a modern new build house in London. We found the service personable, attentive and thorough. Further, when confronted by a design problem, they were creative and positively contributed to its resolution. Ben Kirk, Associate, Edgley Design

Transport Statement – Proposed Residential Development, Shipley

Thu 8 December 2016

You were recommended to us for a housing site where you had previous experience of the neighbouring land. Every part of the experience was simple and positive and we have no problem recommending your services and consider you for further works. From us at Lumia Homes part of Incommunities Housing Association we would like to […]

Transport Statement, Proposed Residential Development, 6 Detached Dwellings

Wed 23 November 2016

Mr Greenwood is a highway wizard and worked his magic on the Hardingham scheme, without Sandersons input I am confident this scheme would have not passed… Henry Isotta-Day – Architectural Design Engineer, Clayland Architects

Flood Risk Assessment, Proposed Residential Development, Cobham, Surrey

Fri 28 October 2016

We were very pleased with the service received and the positive outcome for our client, and would not hesitate to recommend for flood risk assessments. Thanks very much for helping us with this project. Malcolm Jenkins, Architect, Malcom Jenkins Associates

Technical Letter in Support of Residential Development

Thu 28 July 2016

Recently worked with Robert in order to turn round a planning application which was being recommended for refusal due to Highways objections at the eleventh hour. On this one we had to really think out of the box quickly to mitigate the concerns. Robert was instrumental in coming up with options and innovative ideas and […]

Stage 3 Road Safety Audit

Mon 25 July 2016

The service provided was professional direct to the point and alternatives were provided on discussion of the reports requirements, a user friendly service in every way to a legacy job with very little background information. Thank you Steven Johnston – Keepmoat Regeneration Ltd

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