Traffic Regulation Orders: overview
A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is a legal order, which allows the highway authority to regulate the speed, movement and parking of vehicles. The act governing Traffic Orders is the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and is enforceable by law.
In Staffordshire, moving Traffic Orders are enforced by the police and on street parking restrictions are enforced by Staffordshire County Council. Designated bus lanes are enforced by both the police and us.
Proposed Traffic Orders
Anyone can object to, or support, any of the proposed Traffic Orders. Your comments must be submitted before the end of the consultation period, which is clearly stated in each order.
At the end of the consultation period, all feedback from the public will be considered for a decision on the implementation of the Order.
Permanent TROs
Permanent TROs are used to implement a wide variety of restrictions. They may be:
- Waiting restrictions
- No waiting at any time
- Banning of left or right turn
- Traffic calming measures such as speed humps
Permanent TROs will remain in force until superseded or revoked.
Temporary TROs
For details of current Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders please visit Causeway one. Network
When can a Traffic Regulation Order be implemented?
A TRO may be implemented for one or more of the following purposes:
- Avoiding danger to persons or traffic;
- Preventing damage to the road or to buildings nearby;
- Facilitating the passage of traffic;
- Preventing use by unsuitable traffic;
- Preserving the character of a road especially suitable for walking or horse riding;
- Preserving or improving amenities of the area through which the road runs;
- For any of the purpose specified in paragraphs (a) to (c) of the Environment Act 1995 in relation to air quality.
Orders can also be made for roads in special areas of the countryside (e.g. National Parks) for the purpose of conserving or enhancing the natural beauty of the area. TROs can also be implemented to allow for improved access to recreational opportunities or to provide for the study of nature.
How long can a Traffic Order take?
On average, a Traffic Order can take between 3 and 9 months from when it is agreed in principle and funded, to implementation. It is a lengthy procedure because we have to adhere to the statutory periods of advertising and consultation.
What effect can a Traffic Regulation Order have on pedestrian and vehicular access?
A TRO must not have the effect of preventing pedestrian access at any time, or preventing vehicular access for more than eight hours in 24 to premises on or adjacent to the road. However, this restriction does not apply if the local authority state in the order that they require vehicular access to be limited for more than eight hours in 24. In these cases the agreement of the Secretary of State is usually required.
How can I request a new TRO?
A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is the legal framework and process that allows parking restrictions for example, to be legally enforceable. The process of creating a new, or even amending, an existing order is complex. It can take several months to complete an order as they require many stages of public and statutory consultation, and because of the extensive work involved the costs can be quite significant.
Due to the cost there are limits on the number of parking related TROs the council can implement each financial year. The majority of requests for parking restrictions are recorded on the Divisional Highway Programme for the local county councillor, who may consider the matter to be a local community priority and who may fund further investigation.
Find more information on how to contact your local county councillor.
Requests for parking restrictions can be considered by contacting our highways department using the ‘ ’ section of our website and following the information prompts.
How can I get a TRO removed or amended?
It can take several months to complete the process of removing an order as we are required to undertake public and statutory consultation and, because of the extensive work involved; the costs to amend or remove a TRO can be very significant.
Due to the costs, there are limits on the number of TROs the council can review/implement each financial year. The majority of requests are recorded on the Divisional Highway Programme for the local county councillor, who may consider the matter to be a local community priority and who may fund further investigation.
Find more information on how to contact your local county councillor.
Requests for amendments to existing TROs can be considered by contacting our highways department using the ‘ ’ section of our website and following the information prompts.
How do I comment on a proposed TRO consultation?
Anyone can comment on any proposed traffic orders during the consultation period. Please select the relevant area to view any current orders within the consultation period.