The Department for Transport (DfT) has broadened access to its Connectivity Tool, a platform that scores locations across England and Wales on how well connected they are to essential services such as jobs, schools, healthcare, shops, and leisure. 

By combining transport and land-use data, the tool measures access via walking, cycling, public transport, and driving, helping planners and policymakers make evidence-based decisions.

Connectivity Tool Lite 

Connectivity Tool Lite and the full Connectivity Tool. Connectivity Tool Lite is publicly available, allowing anyone to view connectivity scores and explore how they vary across different areas. It does not include advanced functions like uploading sites, creating impact areas, or testing new transport routes.

Full Connectivity Tool

The full Connectivity Tool, available to all local and central government users and now to build environment professionals in the private sector, including developers, architects, consultants, and academic institutes provides more advanced functionality.

Users can assess the connectivity of any location plot or proposed transport interventions and understand how new routes would impact an area. Access requires registration via GOV.UK and verification through a work email.

About the tool

The Connectivity Tool underpins forthcoming government policy guidance that will increasingly integrate connectivity into plan-making, supporting sustainable development and helping target investment in transport infrastructure for underserved communities.

By enabling smarter decisions about where to build homes and services, it aims to foster vibrant, well-connected communities, accelerate housing delivery, and stimulate economic growth.

Both tools are part of a wider effort to embed connectivity as a national metric, transforming how towns and cities are planned and ensuring new development is accessible via sustainable transport.

For access and more information, visit GOV.UK or contact connectivity@dft.gov.uk.