Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) process
Case reference EIR2024/01931
Received 18 November 2024
Published 3 December 2024
Request
Response
Could I please have a full breakdown of the steps required to implement a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for a speed limit change and the cost for each element both internal and external to Herefordshire council.
A: Regarding steps required, there is a formal statutory procedure for Traffic Regulation Orders. This information is publically available and can be found within the legislation “The Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996” via the below link:
The Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996
As such we consider this information to be excepted under Regulation 6 of the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 because this is available to you via other means.
The Service area have provided the below explanation in terms of costs:
For a number of years the council has used consultants to assist with the delivery of TRO’s and this service was heavily used in the last 2 years with the previous staff members within the Council traffic Department leaving the authority. Costs for a TRO (The legal process, excluding any works on the ground) typically worked out at approximately £8k-£10k dependant on numbers of speed surveys and the area of consultation required. This includes the legal press notices.
Of late, we have managed to fill 2 positions within the team to help deliver TRO’s in-house. The benefit of this is that the typical costs (other than obvious staff time) are approximately £2000, which includes the cost of press notices and any consultation letter drops required.
Previously our annual budget typically allowed for 12 schemes to be progressed annually. Since starting to deliver schemes in-house again, since April the team have managed to make a start on 35 Schemes with another 12-15 forecast this year, including that mentioned above.
Please note that the costs above are for the Legal process only, excluding costs for implementation of works associated with a Speed Limit.
Consultants are still used where required for some schemes.
Costs for the delivery and implementation of Speed Limits can vary based on a number of factors such as:
· The extent and length of the road network being addressed.
· The number of speed limit changes required and associated signage or markings.
· Installation of new speed limit signs.
· Modifications to existing road markings or the addition of traffic-calming measures like speed bumps or chicanes.
· Adjustments to roadside barriers, pedestrian crossings, or cycle lanes.
· Labour costs and availability of materials.
· Surveys, road safety audits, and traffic studies to support the speed limit change.
· Complexity of road layouts that require custom solutions.
· Adhering to national or regional road safety standards.
· Streetworks Permits.
· Quality and durability of signage materials.
· Availability and costs of road marking paint, poles, and other materials.
· The workforce needed for installation, traffic management during implementation, and any subcontractors involved.
· Setting up temporary road closures or detours.
· Managing traffic flow to minimise disruptions during the works.
· Costs of consultation, advertising campaigns, or public information sessions to notify residents and road users.
· Potential for unforeseen ground conditions or environmental considerations (e.g., protected areas, flood zones).
· Weather-related delays or impacts.
Documents
This is Herefordshire Council's response to a freedom of information (FOI) or environmental information regulations (EIR) request.
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