Using digital TROs for smarter kerbside management

Increasing demand from various road users is leading local authorities to rethink how this space is managed, says Gonzalo Martinez Santos of Arcadis

The kerbside is one of the most dynamic and sought-after urban spaces, playing a crucial role in cities’ traffic infrastructure and operations.

Traditionally, the kerb has been reserved primarily for parking, a practice that has shaped much of its usage over time. However, the increasing demand from various road users – from delivery drivers and cyclists to ride-hailing services – has led local authorities across the UK to rethink how this space is managed. Cities are beginning to realise that the kerb can be more than just a place to leave vehicles; it has the potential to be a multi-functional asset that enhances urban mobility and supports sustainable living.

For example, many urban areas are now opting for wider sidewalks that benefit pedestrians or creating designated pick-up and drop-off zones near local businesses and restaurants. These adjustments not only reduce congestion but also encourage the local economy by making it easier for people to access shops and services.

In highly concentrated cities like London, cycle lanes have become an essential component of the kerbside transformation. Protected cycle lanes facilitate both cross-city trips and local journeys, boosting safety and making sustainable modes of transport more appealing. Some boroughs are even repurposing secondary streets into bike corridors, which is a very economical way for local authorities to achieve the same outcome.

These changes often require a reappropriation of kerb space, and while removing parking spots might seem like a revenue loss for local authorities, smart kerbside reallocation leads to significant social and economic benefits. The creation of vibrant community spaces, such as outdoor dining areas or pedestrian-friendly zones, contribute to a lively urban environment. Restaurants, shops, and other businesses thrive in these reimagined spaces, generating new revenue streams that often surpass the losses caused by reducing parking availability.

Digital Traffic Regulation Orders: The first step in intelligent kerbside management

Efficient kerbside management starts with having accurate and accessible data, and centralising Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) is the first step in this process.

TROs, which regulate everything from parking restrictions to the use of cycle lanes, have historically been difficult to access and manage. However, the Department for Transport (DfT) in the UK has recognised this challenge and is now focused on pushing towards the digitisation of these essential records, a transformation accelerated by the passage of the Automated Vehicles Act in May 2024. This act mandates that all TROs must be digitised into a standardised format, known as Digital TROs (D-TROs), to enhance transparency and ensure data accessibility.

Local authorities often manage TROs through separate processes and systems, creating inefficiencies and miscommunication across internal teams. Different departments within councils may have conflicting versions of the data, leading to delays and errors in implementing kerbside regulations. By centralising these records, authorities can streamline processes, reduce administrative costs, and respond more quickly to public consultations or changes in street infrastructure.

The benefits of D-TROs go beyond merely improving administrative efficiency. When combined with data from other sources – such as parking meters, cameras, sensors, and mobility platforms – cities gain a comprehensive view of kerbside demand. This allows them to make informed, data-driven decisions on how best to allocate space.

For example, real-time information from electric vehicle charging points (EVCI) or mobility assets like bike racks and e-scooter zones can help local authorities plan kerbside usage based on actual demand, rather than outdated assumptions. A centralised digital platform allows local authorities to efficiently tackle kerbside challenges, such as optimising the rollout of EV charging points across a borough or identifying strategic locations for new bikeshare stations.

Furthermore, integrating data on off-street parking, low-emission zones, and pedestrian areas gives authorities the insights they need to repurpose kerbside space for higher social value. This could include extending pedestrian zones or adding more electric vehicle charging infrastructure, all while considering how these changes will affect traditional parking revenue. By leveraging digital tools, cities can balance the need for parking with the desire to create more sustainable, vibrant, and accessible public spaces.

How digital TROs benefit road users

While digital TROs provide clear advantages for local authorities, they also benefit a wide range of other stakeholders. Access to accurate and real-time kerbside data is crucial for drivers, delivery services, and mobility providers, helping them make more efficient decisions and reduce congestion.

Drivers, for example, can use this data to find parking spots that align with their intended length of stay, or to locate available EV charging points that meet their specific electrical needs. This reduces the time spent searching for parking and helps alleviate congestion in busy areas.

Delivery companies can optimise their routes based on real-time kerbside availability, ensuring that they have access to convenient loading zones and avoiding illegal parking, which often leads to fines and traffic delays. Ride-hailing services can use kerbside data to identify the best locations for passenger pick-up and drop-off, ensuring smoother traffic flow in congested urban areas.

As cities continue to digitise their kerbside infrastructure, these benefits will become even more apparent. Comprehensive street policy datasets can help predict kerbside demand based on historical data, allowing for dynamic tariffs or usage policies that adapt to changing conditions in real time. This would not only make kerbside management more efficient but also enable cities to respond to unexpected surges in demand, such as during major events or holidays.

Digital solutions for kerbside and TRO management

To support these kerbside transformations, cities need robust digital solutions that centralise and integrate data from multiple sources. One example of such technologies is CurbIQ, a digital kerbside management solution developed by the parking and kerbside experts at Arcadis, which allows local authorities to efficiently manage TROs and kerbside assets by consolidating all relevant data—whether it's from parking meters, mobility providers, or off-street parking facilities—into a single, accessible platform. This makes it easier for local authority planners to propose changes, conduct public consultations, and implement new regulations without the administrative burden traditionally associated with TRO management.

Dublin is one city that has adopted a digital approach to kerbside management. By using comprehensive digital mapping tools, the council has been able to manage its kerb policies more effectively, optimising space allocation and improving accessibility.

This model of centralised, digital management is becoming increasingly popular as cities across the UK and beyond look for ways to better manage their urban spaces while reducing traffic congestion and improving mobility.

Embracing the digital future

Efficient kerbside management is no longer just about allocating parking spaces—it’s about understanding the full picture of urban mobility and how the kerb can be enhanced.

By digitising TROs, integrating real-time data, and adopting flexible, innovative digital solutions, cities can transform their kerbside spaces into dynamic assets that reduce congestion, promote sustainability, and revitalise local communities. The future of urban mobility depends on making these changes now, and local authorities that embrace a digital approach will be better equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
 
A specialist in developing GIS visualisation and computational tools to shape and manage digital urban solutions, Gonzalo Martinez Santos is a product analyst at CurbIQ, Arcadis's innovative kerbside and parking solution. A technical lead within the CurbIQ team, he oversees kerbside and Traffic Regulation Order digitisation projects, collaborating closely with cities and local authorities to help them transition to a digital future and implement smarter, more efficient urban mobility systems.
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