Local Government Transport Planner

Introduction
People need to travel and move around - to work, to school, to the shops, on holiday.  Transport planners in local government play an important role in ensuring that there is an integrated transport system.  They plan, design, deliver and maintain our transport infrastructure and make sure that it supports the economic, social and environmental objectives of a local council area.  They are employed in county, district, metropolitan and unitary councils.

Work Environment
Local government transport planners are mainly office based, but do some site visit.

Daily Activities
The activities of a local government transport planner are wide ranging and can include allorsome of the following: 

  • preparing strategic transport plans; 
  • building computer based transport models;
  • considering the best solutions to particular travel problems;
  • assessing the environmental impact of new road/rail schemes;
  • preparing design briefs, for example fornew traffic calming schemes or pedestrian zones;
  • assessing the impact any new developments, such as shopping centres, might have on traffic congestion;
  • liaising with colleagues in other council departments such as planning and development control;
  • helping teachers, parents and pupils develop school travel plans;
  • devising green travel plans;
  • advising businesses on green travel plans;
  • studying traffic accidents and finding ways of reducing them;
  • negotiating with stakeholders and those affected by proposed transport schemes;
  • cost benefit analysis;
  • contract preparation and management;
  • preparing advice to Councillors ,MPs and AMs;
  • attendance at Council meetings;
  • Statistical monitoring;
  • responding to government legislation and consultation.

Skills & Interests
Local government transport planners need:  

  • an understanding of and interest in people, places and movement;
  • practical ability and problem solving skills;
  • good communication skills;
  • analytical skills and a logical mind;
  • creativity and innovation;
  • good ICT skills.

Entry Requirements
Most people enter local government transport planning with a degree, most often in either geography or civil engineering. However, a growing number of transport planners have degrees in business studies, environmental studies, economics, mathematics, or town planning with a transport option.

There are transport related Masters degrees available from a range of universities.  Read more about these courses on the Transportation Opportunities website.  Transport planning NVQs might also be available.

Future Prospects & Opportunities
There is a career progression into local government transport management positions.  There might also be opportunities to move to different council departments in a management role, for example, environmental services, or planning.

Further Information & Services
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport www.ciltuk.org.uk 
Go Skills www.goskills.org 
Institution of Civil Engineers www.ice.org.uk 
Transport Planning Society www.tps.org.uk

 You may find further information about this area of work through Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or in your local library, careers officeor school careers library. 

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