Tools such as TRAVL and URBEMIS are strongly recommended for traffic impact assessment.  These permit optimization of parking and street designs adjacent to new developments. 

In assessing traffic, local governments can better reflect location by:

• Considering person trips rather than just vehicle trips. Break these down into the different transportation modes.

• Using vehicle trip rates that reflect the neighborhood’s transportation characteristics.

• Using a two-hour peak hour, rather than a one-hour period, for assessing road capacity requirements.

• Quantifying the impacts of compact and mixed uses.

• Accepting slightly lower levels of service at intersections in mixed-use areas, recognizing these may improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists by reducing speeds.