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 visits.  Hours of work are usually the standard 37 per week.

Daily Activities

The activities of a local government transport planner are wide ranging and can include all or some 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 for new 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;
• 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 and MPs;
• 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.

Estimated salary range

Starting salaries for local government transport planners are typically around £20,000, but with experience officers might earn £28,000 – £32,000.

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

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.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Protecting Your Community.

Further Information & Services

Institution of Civil Engineers www.ice.org.uk

Institute of Logistics and Transport www.iolt.org.uk

GoSkills www.goskills.org

Transport Planning Society www.tps.org.uk

Transportation Opportunities website www.transportationopportunities.org.uk

You may find further information about this area of work in your local/school careers library – under WB and WE.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Transport Planner vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - our official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.