DfT relaxes TRO rules during virus outbreak

Traffic Management

The DFT has issued temporary guidance to councils in England concerning the advertising of traffic regulation orders (TROs) during Covid-19.

The guidance is a response to the difficulties councils face in complying with the rules on publicising permanent or temporary TROs. Problems include advertising in a local paper when it has moved to online publishing only; posting notices on affected roads; and making documents available for public inspection in council offices.

On newspaper advertising, the DfT says: “An online newspaper that is circulated locally is likely to satisfy the requirements to an extent.” 

Additional efforts should be made to publicise the TRO because some people do not have internet access, it says. “This could include the use of other media, for example, letter or leaflet drops, local radio, circulation of information via council mailing lists, publication on local authority websites.”

The DfT acknowledges that local authorities are “understandably concerned about the safety of staff posting on-site notices”. Councils should consider effective alternative options, such as the other media listed above.

With council offices closed, the DfT suggests authorities consider posting a notice on the authority’s website or outside offices, or at any other relevant place to inform the public of alternative arrangements. 

“The notices could include a telephone number or email contact to request copies, or details of the publication of the documents on its website.”