A vehicle swept path refers to the area of the road surface (or any driving environment) that a vehicle occupies as it turns or maneuvers – including both the path of the wheels and the overhangs (front/rear corners).

It shows the footprint of the vehicle as it moves, not just the narrow line of its tires. This is crucial for ensuring that a vehicle can safely navigate through a space without hitting obstacles, curbs, or other vehicles.

Vehicle swept path analysis is used to:

• Design roads, junctions, and roundabouts
• Check turning space in loading bays, car parks, or delivery yards
• Validate access for emergency vehicles, HGVs, buses, etc.
• Ensure compliance with planning or highway authority requirements
• Prevent collisions with walls, fences, pedestrians, or street furniture
• Can check the impact of temporary traffic management and see whether vehicles can make a manoeuvre they would not normally be making.