Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs)

Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) are written legal documents introduced by the Highway Authority which allow the police, or civil enforcement officers in the case of parking restrictions, to enforce various traffic regulations, including speed limits, on-street parking, one-way streets, weight limits and other restrictions.

Most TROs come about as a result of input from local communities and the police, to address specific traffic management issues.

All requests for traffic regulations are considered on their individual merits, taking into consideration the site conditions, collision history, comments from local councillors and from the police. TROs interfere with the freedom of some road users for the benefit of others and can be visually intrusive due to the signs and lines which are required. TROs will only be considered where an actual problem exists which is serious enough to justify such an intervention. Particular care will be exercised in conservation areas.

The order making process

A proposed Traffic Regulation Order requires a statutory procedure to be followed. This comprises:

Consultation - this allows us to obtain the views of local councillors and Parish Councils (where appropriate), the police and emergency services, local public transport operators & occasionally other institutions such as the Freight Transport Association. Local residents, traders and community groups who are likely to be directly affected by the proposals may also be consulted where appropriate. Amendments to the proposals can then be made where possible to reflect the views obtained.
Advertisement of the TRO then takes place. For 21 days from the start of the notice the proposals can be viewed at a nominated council office during normal office hours.
Objections to the proposals and comments of support must be made in writing to the address specified in the notice during the advertising period. The objectors will be written to giving full explanation of the proposals and given the opportunity to withdraw their objections. If objections are not withdrawn then an officer decision report is submitted to a senior council officer outlining the proposals, the objections and giving recommendations to be considered. When considering the objections the senior officer must decide whether to

a) allow the scheme to proceed as advertised

b) modify the scheme

c) abandon it

Objectors will be informed in writing of the outcome.

Making the order - the TRO can then be formally sealed, and is advertised as a made order with a date of implementation.

The TRO procedure can take many months to complete.

Click on the links below to see the traffic regulation orders currently being advertised (orders on deposit) and the orders that have recently been made (made orders).

Orders on Deposit

Made Orders