Swept-path analysis
Analysis showing how vehicles will move in and out of a site, using vehicle tracking software.
About this service
A swept-path analysis shows the space a vehicle needs as it turns, reverses or manoeuvres. A car's body, wheels and overhangs sweep a wider area than the lane it drives along, and longer vehicles such as refuse lorries and fire appliances need considerably more. Using vehicle tracking software, we model these movements on your site layout and produce drawings showing whether they work.
Highway authorities ask for swept paths when a scheme includes a new access, a driveway, a parking court, a turning head or a loading bay. They want evidence that vehicles can enter and leave safely, ideally in forward gear onto busier roads, without overrunning kerbs, footways or planting. Waste teams also want to know bins can be collected without lorries reversing long distances.
The analysis is quick to produce once we have an accurate site plan, and it often settles debates that would otherwise run through several rounds of comments. Our drawings go through our three-step quality control process, with final sign-off by our Head of Engineering. Where the access also needs its sight lines checked, we usually pair this with a visibility splay assessment.
When you need it
- You need to show cars, refuse or emergency vehicles can access a site
- The highway authority has asked for swept-path drawings
What's included
- Vehicle tracking analysis
- Drawings showing swept paths
How it works
- Confirm the vehiclesWe agree with you, and where needed the highway authority, which design vehicles to test, from a large car through to a refuse lorry or fire appliance, and which manoeuvres are required.
- Check the base planWe review your topographical survey or site plan to confirm kerb lines, walls, gates, parking bays and street furniture are accurately shown, as small errors can change the result.
- Run the trackingWe model each manoeuvre in vehicle tracking software, testing entry, exit and turning, and work with your architect to adjust the layout if a vehicle does not fit.
- Issue drawingsWe issue clear drawings showing the swept path for each vehicle and manoeuvre, ready to submit with a planning application or in response to highways comments.
What you receive
Refuse and fire access on tight London sites
Refuse vehicles are the usual stumbling block. Most councils will not send a lorry into a private site unless the road is designed for it, so the alternative is a bin store within a reasonable carrying distance of a collection point on the street. Your council's waste team sets the details. Where a lorry must enter, swept paths show whether it can turn and leave in forward gear.
Fire access is a Building Regulations matter under Part B, but it is worth testing at planning stage. Fire appliances need to get reasonably close to houses and to the entrances of blocks of flats, along a route with suitable width and turning space. Building Control will confirm what applies to your scheme. For a single new driveway, a dropped kerb or vehicle crossover package may be the more suitable service.
Frequently asked questions
What is a swept-path analysis?
It is a drawing showing the area a vehicle occupies as it moves through a turn or manoeuvre, produced with vehicle tracking software. It demonstrates whether cars, vans, refuse lorries or fire appliances can get into and out of a site, a parking space or a loading area without hitting kerbs, walls or other vehicles.
Why has the council asked for swept-path drawings?
Usually because a new access, parking layout or turning area looks tight, and the highway officer needs evidence that it works before supporting the application. The concern is safety on the public highway, such as cars reversing out into traffic or lorries mounting the footway. Swept paths give the officer a clear answer.
Which vehicles should a swept-path analysis include?
It depends on the site. Residential parking layouts are normally tested with a large car. Schemes with communal bin stores or a turning head may need a refuse vehicle, and larger sites may need a fire appliance or delivery van. The highway authority and the council's waste team will often say which vehicles they want to see.
How much does a swept-path analysis cost?
Our swept-path analysis starts from £250 + VAT for a straightforward layout. More vehicles, more manoeuvres or several design iterations with your architect increase the fee. We confirm a fixed fee in writing before work starts, and our typical turnaround is 10 working days.