TROs may be permanent, temporary or experimental, and each one is used for different things.
Permanent traffic regulation orders remain in force until they’re updated or cancelled. Generally, they fall into one of four categories:
- Community TROs. These are usually used to address local issues, such as introducing new speed limits or double yellow lines and tend to be relatively simple and non-contentious.
- Developer TROs. New developments, such as houses or blocks of flats, usually need TROs to manage how new or existing roads are used to comply with planning restrictions. For example, a TRO could be needed to create an access road to new buildings.
- Highway schemes. These tend to be more complex schemes that need to be delivered under council programmes, such as new speed bumps or protected cycle lanes.
- Resident Parking Zones. These comprehensive TROs are needed to manage parking across a wider area.
Temporary traffic regulation orders (TTROs) are used for changes to roads that are only needed for a limited time, such as during road works or events. They could be used to temporarily close roads, introduce parking or waiting restrictions, or change the speed limit for vehicles.
TTROs don’t have a consultation, as they enable construction or utility works, or to allow special events to be held. These usually mean it’s necessary to close or partially close roads or footpaths while the works or event takes place. TTROs can last for a maximum of eighteen months.
Experimental traffic regulation orders (ETROs) are used when changes to roads need to be monitored to check if they’re working successfully or meeting the aims of a project. This could include new speed bumps, cycle lanes or parking restrictions, for example. ETROs can remain in place for a maximum of eighteen months while the changes are monitored and assessed.
Once a TRO is applied for, the proposed changes must go through a process before works can begin.
Advertising the proposed TRO
The proposal needs to be advertised so that members of the public can register their support or objections to it.
A public notice will be put in The News (Portsmouth’s local paper), copies of the TRO will be put up on affected streets and the TRO is published on our website.
This begins a consultation period, usually lasting three weeks, during which members of the public can register support or object to the proposal.
TTROs don’t have a consultation period, as they are generally associated with long term construction or utility works.
Comments on the proposed TRO
If no objections are received during the consultation period, the council can go ahead with the TRO.
If any objections are received, the proposed TRO must go before the appropriate executive member of the council for a decision, taking into account the comments received from the public during the consultation period.
Items can be removed from a proposed TRO, but it is not possible to implement more than outlined in the original proposal.
Implementing a TRO
Once a TRO is approved, we’ll publish a draft public notice that details the changes that will be introduced.
Once a date has been set for changes to begin, this will be listed here, along with a copy of the public notice, which will also appear in The News at least two weeks before the date.
The implementation date is the date on which the TRO becomes active, but it cannot be enforced until any necessary changes are made to affected roads.
Complaints about a TRO
If anyone is dissatisfied with a decision made by an executive member, they can lodge a complaint with the Ombudsman for investigation.
If it is thought a TRO does not show due regard to the law, an application can be made to the High Court. Details on how to contact the Ombudsman or High Court will be available on the public notice.