E&T modelling services contract (MSC)
The E&T MSC forms part of the support services offered by the Network Data and Intelligence team, alongside the Environment and Transport Commissioning Framework (ETCF), which provides staffing, design, specialist public transport and civil engineering solutions, as well as the use of Leicestershire’s strategic and market town microsimulation models.
The E&T MSC’s principal forecasting capability for evidencing the transport impact of planning proposals is the council’s strategic transport model, the Pan Regional Transport Model (PRTM).
Pan regional transport model (PRTM)
The PRTM is a bespoke computer-based software that provides consistent travel forecast evidence to the transport planning process across Leicestershire, but with a regional capability. It has been built using current industry best practice based on Government Transport Appraisal Guidance and engagement/consultation with relevant stakeholders such as National Highways and the Local Planning Authorities.
The PRTM is used to forecast the impact of changes in transport policy, land-use and infrastructure on travel decisions, the environment, and the economy. It is comprised of a planning input module to derive total travel demand and variable demand, highway, public transport, and environmental model components. These can be run together or independently depending on the work being undertaken.
The PRTM has a proven track record as a tool for providing successful evidence for a magnitude of developments/schemes, from planning applications to Development Consent Order’s to the submission of Business Cases to the DfT. Producing evidence ranging from predicted development trip distributions and Core model flows for non-strategic developments through to fully bespoke modelling of developments of national significance.
Market town microsimulation models
The council’s market town microsimulation models have been built for the seven market towns of Leicestershire, plus Enderby and Kibworth, using industry leading microsimulation software. The scope of microsimulation applications varies from a single junction appraisal through corridor assessments to studies seeking wide area impacts across the fully modelled town. These models are particularly useful in the scheme design process, for assessing traffic management measures and for promoting schemes to the public and interested parties.
Information required from applicants
The use of models and services provided through the ET-MSC and ETCF. These frameworks operate independently from the wider E&T department ensuring the confidentiality of the council’s clients, if/when required. However, for the most expedient use of the ET-MSC for planning application submissions, prospective clients are advised to engage with HDM (via HDC@leics.gov.uk) early to agree key requirements and model assumptions such as access strategy, trip rates, assessment years and site phasing.