Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) are legal agreements which allow us or the police to enforce regulations including speed limits, on-street parking and one way streets.
Most Traffic Regulation Orders are created with input from local communities and the police, to address specific traffic congestion or quality of life issues.
View active orders and comment on proposed traffic orders in your area.
Current proposed traffic schemes:
- Appledore Traffic Management Plan
- Barnstaple Town Centre Proposals
- Barnfield Area, Exeter – Parking Review
- Exeter City Centre Proposals
- Dartmouth Traffic Management Plan
- Tavistock Traffic Management Plan
How Traffic Regulation Orders are created
There is a statutory procedure for creating a TRO.
- Design and consultation – we create a proposed design for the TRO and then consult on this with local councillors and parish councils, the emergency services and sometimes other institutions such as The Freight Transport Association, The Road Haulage Association and local public transport operators. Local residents, traders and community groups who are likely to be affected are consulted where appropriate. Following consultation, the proposal may be amended.
- Advertising the TRO – we will usually display a notice in the local paper and put signs in affected roads. We may also deliver notices to premises likely to be affected. For at least 21 days from the start of the notice the proposal can be viewed online and at a nominated council office. Objections and comments must be made online or by writing to the address in the notice. Objections and contentious issues are considered by local councillors who decide whether to allow the scheme to proceed as advertised, modify the scheme or abandon it.
- Making the Order – the TRO is formally made and introduced.
This process can take many months and be very costly. This means that schemes which need a TRO are usually planned and included in the annual Capital Programme.[Link to this?]
Temporary Traffic Orders
Temporary orders may be used when works affecting the highway need short-term traffic restrictions. We can authorise a temporary order to allow road works to take place, or to ensure safety at a sporting or social event. The police can close roads for public safety reasons.
- Apply for a temporary order to carry out roadworks or maintenance.
- To request an emergency road closure because of a burst water or gas main phone 01392 383329.
- Apply for a temporary order to hold a special event.
Experimental Traffic Orders
Experimental Orders can be used in situations that need monitoring and reviewing. They usually last no more than eighteen months before they are abandoned, amended or made permanent.