Traffic Regulation Orders
A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is a legal instrument that
enables the Highway Authority to regulate or prohibit the movement
of traffic on the highway. They apply to the regulation of speed,
weight, movement and parking of vehicles as well as regulating
pedestrian movement.
If drivers do not comply with these TROs, they
are then guilty of an offence for which the courts may impose
penalties such as fines, licence points or even
disqualification.
Types of Traffic Regulation Order
These types of Orders can only be introduced
following the appropriate legal process. There are several stages
to the introduction of a new permanent TRO but once made remain in
force until superseded or revoked.
These are used to cover temporary events such
as road works or to avoid danger to the public. Orders may be made
for up to 18 months.
(For Footpaths, Bridleways, Cycle Tracks and
Byways Open To All Traffic, orders may be made for up to 6 months.
For further information regarding Rights of Way closures contact
Outdoor Access & Rights of Way, Tel: 01234 228983 or email
row@bedford.gov.uk.)
These are used to cover emergency works as
well as minor works involving an element of urgency. They may be
made for a maximum 21 day duration.
These are used to see if the recommendation
will work in practise, before possibly converting it to a permanent
TRO. They may be made for up to 18 months. Orders must be
advertised at least seven days before they are due to come into
effect. Consultation requirements must be followed before the order
is made.
Temporary/Emergency Road and Footpath
Closures/Restrictions for Road Works
If you require a road to be closed or a
traffic restriction imposed on a temporary basis whilst works are
carried out on the highway, please email the Council's
Highways Helpdesk in
the first instance. Please include a plan showing the extent of the
temporary road closure/restriction required. You will also need to
submit a traffic management and diversion signing plan, if
applicable, which we will need to approve before the temporary road
closure/restriction can commence.
The fee for a temporary closure or restriction
is £1,121.00.
The fee for an emergency closure or emergency restriction is
£617.00.
Events Taking Place on the
Highway
If you are intending to hold an event on the
highway or other council land you may need a temporary road
closure to ensure the event can run safely. If this is the case you
will need to apply to us, submitting details of the event and
the associated risks.
We need at least three months notice to
process a road closure as we have to obtain comments from the
emergency services and other interested parties.
To apply for a road closure to facilitate an
event, please email the Council's Highways Helpdesk in
the first instance.
You may also wish to refer to ‘A Guide to
Organising Safe Events’.