UK Government guidance reflects CIHT policy priorities
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The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) has welcomed the publication of the updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) for England by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
This final framework contains several major policy improvements and represents a significant step forward in aligning national planning policies and priorities.
CIHT submitted its official response to the government consultation in March 2026, advocating for a vision-led, design-focused planning system that prioritises walking, wheeling, cycling, and public transport.
The NPPF reflects many of CIHT’s core priorities for planning, sustainable transport, inclusive design, and active travel, reinforcing the crucial link between transport planning and high-quality placemaking.
CIHT has highlighted several key areas of similarity where the new NPPF aligns directly with the Institution's policy asks:
In a major policy alignment, the government has amended the glossary definition of ‘sustainable transport modes.'
By removing references to ultra-low and zero-emission vehicles and carsharing, the framework now focuses more fully on true sustainable transport modes, principally active travel (walking, wheeling, and cycling) and public transport.
CIHT has long maintained that switching to electric vehicles (EVs) does not address network congestion, encourage more efficient land use, or promote the physical activity required to improve public health.
The NPPF now explicitly integrates key design parameters to support healthy, active lifestyles.
Specific reference is made to permeable street networks, continuous footways, and segregated cycle infrastructure to support walking, cycling, and overall legibility in new developments.
This is supported by the inclusion of "movement" as a central, high-level principle of well-designed placemaking.
Supporting with CIHT’s call for gender-inclusive mobility, the NPPF makes explicit reference to the needs of women, girls, and other vulnerable groups.
In alignment with the national Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy, the framework directs that streets and public spaces must be designed to be safe, inclusive, and accessible for all users.
CIHT welcomes this recognition, noting that the perception of safety is fundamental to encouraging walking, wheeling, and public transport use.
The framework includes greater recognition of the importance of developments that limit the need to travel by private car, through strategic location choice and decision-making.
This supports CIHT’s focus on the "whole-life" impact of developments, ensuring that short, everyday trips can be made using active and sustainable transport modes.
The addition of new definitions for ‘reasonable walking distance’ and a ‘well-connected station’ provides clearer benchmarks for developers and local authorities.
The framework also acknowledges that local context and route quality directly impact travel choices and what is considered a reasonable walking distance.
Under the Vision-led approach to planning for transport, the framework requires planners to align land-use policies with Local Transport Plans (LTPs) and Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs).
CIHT welcomes this change as accessibility and connectivity must be considered at the earliest stages of design to prevent car-centric habits from becoming entrenched.
However, CIHT emphasises that the framework must be implemented robustly and continues to identify areas that require stronger guidance:
CIHT would like to see increased reference to Manual for Streets throughout the NPPF, especially surrounding making effective use of land and achieving well-designed place.
The revised NPPF contains limited references to buses despite their essential role in inclusive mobility and social equity.
CIHT will continue to advocate for stronger national guidance to ensure frequent, reliable bus services are in place from "day one" of new developments, preventing car-centric travel habits.
Vague terminology around what constitutes "significant movement" or "sustainable growth" could create loopholes, potentially allowing small and moderate-scale developments to proceed in car-dependent, unsustainable locations.
CIHT looks forward to continuing to work with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Department for Transport (DfT) to ensure that England has a transport network fit for all our futures and that works for all.
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