Traffic Regulation Orders and Parking Industry

Traffic Regulation Orders and Parking Industry

Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) are the legal framework that must exist for road markings on the public highway. For every parking bay, taxi rank, bus lane and yellow line there must be a corresponding traffic regulation order.

The Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984 (section 6) empowers local authorities to make Traffic Regulation Orders for their area of control. Commonly abbreviated to TRO's or traffic orders.

There is a complex process that must be followed before a traffic order is introduced. You do not need to know this, as you will not be involved in the process in your role as a civil enforcement officer. Suffice to say that the process involves a period of public consultation, when all interested parties are invited to comment on the proposed restrictions. Ever seen a sheet of laminated paper, displaying the Councils logo attached to a lamppost? Next time stop and read it, it will probably be an announcement of a proposed change to or introduction of a traffic regulation order, with the details of how to make comments on it.

Because of the complexity of the process, traffic orders are not introduced 'overnight' but can take a great deal of time, be aware of this if you are waiting for a change in a TRO.

The TRO will state:

➢ Under what legislation the Order is raised
➢ The precise location of the bay, bus lane etc.
➢ The exact purpose for which the item is designated
➢ The days during which the designated area is controlled or in force
➢ The hours during which the designated area is controlled or in force
➢ Permitted vehicles
➢ The Exemptions

Exemptions

These are stated instances/vehicles, which will be exempt from the controls, laid down in the Traffic Regulation Orders.   A vehicle is exempt from parking restrictions where it complies with certain regulations only (as listed in the orders). Exemptions are fairly standard and will cover vehicles such as those belonging to...