Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs)
A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is a legal document that allows us or the police to enforce certain restrictions on public roads.
Types of traffic regulation order
Traffic Regulation Orders can cover measures including:
- parking controls, such as double yellow lines
- one-way streets
- banned turns
- bus lanes
- speed limits
Traffic regulation orders and speed limits
UK law requires a Traffic Regulation Order for us or the police to enforce many road restrictions.
A Traffic Regulation Order is needed when a speed limit is not 30mph. However, not every 30mph speed limit needs an order.
A 30mph speed limit applies automatically on a road with street lighting when the lights are no more than 200 yards, or 183 metres, apart. This applies unless signs show a different speed limit.
In these cases, the police can enforce the 30mph speed limit without a Traffic Regulation Order.
View traffic regulation orders
Use the TraffWeb map to see how Traffic Regulation Orders apply across Swindon's road network.
The map includes measures that help keep traffic moving and provide parking for residents and visitors.
Restrictions not shown on the map
Some 30mph speed limits will not appear on the TraffWeb map. These are limits that apply automatically because of appropriately spaced street lighting.
Swindon Borough Council cannot enforce parking restrictions that do not appear on TraffWeb.
Parking restrictions on private land are enforced by the landowner or their chosen private parking operator under contract law.
The police can enforce all speed limits.
The police are also responsible for enforcing dangerous parking where no parking restriction applies. Examples include:
- parking within 10 metres of a junction
- parking on the pavement
These are criminal offences and the council cannot take enforcement action.
How we introduce a traffic regulation order
We must follow a legal process when introducing a Traffic Regulation Order. The process has three stages.
Stage one: Feasibility and informal consultation
We investigate the proposed change to check whether it is possible.
As part of this work, we:
- assess how the proposed order could affect the highway network
- check whether we need to change or revoke an existing order
- consider whether the proposal could move the problem elsewhere
- contact affected homes and businesses to check whether there is local support
If the proposal meets these requirements, it moves to stage two.
Stage two: Formal consultation
We publish details of the proposal in the local press and on our website. You then have 21 days to comment or object.
You can submit comments supporting or opposing the proposal.
We consider any formal objections through the appropriate council procedure before deciding how to proceed.
If we change the proposed order to address concerns, we will usually need to advertise it again. In some cases, we may decide not to continue with the proposal.
The proposal can move to stage three if:
- we receive no objections
- we decide to proceed after considering the comments and objections
Stage three: Making the order
Before the Traffic Regulation Order takes effect:
- we install all necessary signs and road markings
- we publish a notice confirming that we have approved the proposal and when the order takes effect
Experimental traffic regulation orders
In some cases, we may use an experimental Traffic Regulation Order for six, 12 or 18 months.
Find out more about experimental Traffic Regulation Orders.
How long the process takes
Introducing a Traffic Regulation Order takes at least six months from start to finish.
The process can take a year or longer if we receive objections.
A Traffic Regulation Order can remain in place indefinitely. We must follow the same legal process if we need to change or revoke it.
Request a new or changed traffic regulation order
Requests to introduce, change or revoke a Traffic Regulation Order must have support from the wider community. Support from one person or a small group is not enough.
The process can involve significant time and resources and can cost about £5,000.
A request must:
- have the initial support of local ward councillors
- have the support of a significant majority of affected residents or businesses
- support the council's wider objectives
If parking controls could benefit an area, contact your local ward councillors.
Contact us
For questions about Traffic Regulation Orders, email traffictros@swindon.gov.uk.