A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is a legal document required to help us to manage the highway network for all road users including pedestrians. They aim to improve road safety and access to facilities.
A TRO can only be proposed for the reasons set out in the legislation. A scheme can only be proposed if the regulations allow it to be signed and lined accordingly.
Examples of schemes that need a TRO include:
- speed limits
- on-street parking restrictions
- weight limits
- one-way streets and banned turns
- prohibition of driving.
The TRO process
TROs follow a statutory process and are a legal document. Part of this process is to ensure the TRO is available to the public for consultation and feedback.
TRO consultations, combined with statutory processes can mean a TRO can take between 12 and 18 months to deliver. Complex TROs can take longer.
A TRO process includes the following:
- feasibility and priority assessment consideration
- proposed scheme design
- optional informal consultation (21 days minimum for comments to be received)
- consideration of all comments received
- amendments and preparation for statutory processes
- draft all relevant legal documentation ready for formal advertising of the scheme in the media and on our website
- formal Statutory consultation (21 days minimum for comments to be received)
- consideration of objections (and attempts to resolve them)
- detailed report or TRO committed (if unresolved objections)
- making of the TRO including sealing
- implementation of the TRO (making physical changes on site).
Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (ETROs)
An Experimental Traffic Order is a legal document that allows for traffic and parking restrictions to be put in place.
Unlike a TRO, it can only stay in force for a maximum of 18 months while we monitor and assess the effects of the restrictions.
Once an ETRO has started there is a 6-month period where local residents and businesses can feedback on the new restrictions. We can then modify the restrictions if needed before changes are made permanent.
Viewing a TRO
Proposed TROs and other legal notices (relating to pedestrian crossings), are available to view on request during the formal consultation period at Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham.
Current TROs or ETROs
An ETRO is currently in progress for Gillingham High Street.
To find out about TROs, you can visit the public notices portal and search by post code.