On and off-street Traffic Regulation Order writing

The 2004 Traffic Management Act and the 1991 Road Traffic Act place obligations on the Local Highway Authority’ regarding the way they assess, implement and review TROs. There is a clear duty to identify congestion points and take action accordingly. The Acts cite the implementation and enforcement of TROs as one of the prime factors to help reduce congestion.  Local Authorities must demonstrate that their TROs;

• Are appropriate, adequate and relevant.
• Are consistent along its own routes and along those strategic routes which cross its boundaries into other Local Authority’s areas.
• Are accurate, understandable and legally robust.
• Follow appropriate implementation, management processes and systems.
• Are properly maintained and regularly reviewed.
• Are adequately enforced.

The Acts emphasise the Local Authority’s responsibility in ensuring that traffic (including pedestrians) flows with the minimum of delay across its network. The Local Authority must demonstrate that systems and procedures are in place to manage the network efficiently. This includes the need to develop and review a road hierarchy that shows a structured approach to the allocation and management of road space. This must take into account the need for, and effects of, on-street parking, loading facilities, bus priority measures and other facilities requiring TROs. In order to meet the statutory requirements Local Authorities should adopt more strategic and systematic procedures.

The Controlled Parking Zone regulations require Local Authorities to carry out periodic reviews of the waiting restrictions within the zones. The Traffic Regulation Act specifies that TROs may only be used in certain circumstances to achieve very specific objectives and it is arguable that reviews of existing and newly implemented restrictions should be undertaken to meet this requirement.

The requirements of the Acts should not be seen in negative terms. Adopting them will actually help achieve Local Authorities core objectives and long-term planning aims.  The TRO process supports an integrated transport planning strategy that will be better placed to solve traffic problems, take advantage of opportunities and enable resources to be used more efficiently.

Permanent TROs are subject to The Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996, as amended, and The Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 1999, as amended.  These impose various legal requirements prior to making an order which can be quite an undertaking. RTAA has a wealth of experience on offer to help you with the writing of On and Off-Street Traffic Regulation Orders covering whole Counties, through to large urban areas and smaller districts.  No project is too big or small, RTAA can manage the whole process from start to finish, if necessary when in-house resources are constrained.