Introduction

A strong evidence base is a critical foundation for a robust accessibility strategy and will underpin the decisions you and your partners make throughout the whole accessibility planning process. In order to compile the evidence base it's important to have a good understanding of the analytical techniques required for accessibility assessment.

This chapter of the Toolkit expands on Chapter 2 (on accessibility assessments) and sections of Chapter 5 (on option appraisal) of the Department for Transport's Guidance on Accessibility Planning in Local Transport Plans and also on elements of the Technical Guidance Annex.

It builds on the guidance by describing what an evidence base is and what it might consist of, giving you the skills and confidence to understand the analytical techniques involved in producing, interpreting and presenting accessibility analysis.

Particular topics are described more fully in the supporting resources referenced throughout the chapter. These resources can be used separately but are particularly useful when read alongside this chapter as they offer further details and examples of the processes and techniques described.

The next sections of the chapter address the following issues:

• What an evidence base is, why it is important and what it consists of




• What accessibility analysis involves. (This is described in more detail in the Analysis Resource 5, Analysis Stages)




• How to avoid common ‘pitfalls'. (For a more thorough explanation see the Analysis Resource 6, Analysis Pitfalls)




• When it might be appropriate to conduct a survey or carry out consultation to gather more information




• What the outputs of accessibility analysis show you and how to use them. (Examples of different types of mapping analysis can be found in the Analysis Resource 3, Maps For Strategic Assessment)

Next Section ... What is an evidence base and why is it important to have one? ...