Ministers to streamline publication requirements for traffic regulation orders

The Department for Transport has launched a consultation on plans to streamline the process councils and the Highways Agency have to go through when introducing new traffic restrictions.

The proposals would mean that local authorities no longer have to advertise in local newspapers when they are looking to put controls in place through Traffic Regulation Orders.

The DfT claimed that these adverts cost councils and the Highways Agency an estimated £20m a year (although 40% of these costs are paid for by utility companies, property developers and other businesses).

Under the new regime, councils would be free to publicise the changes to those likely to be affected “in ways that they think will reach them best”.

Councils will still be obliged to publicise the changes, but could do so through advertising on local websites, displaying notices or distributing leaflets.

The Department for Transport is also proposing that:

• The current requirements on consultation contained in local authorities’ regulations should be changed to allow them the flexibility to consult (in addition to the police and other local authorities for the area) only such bodies as they consider appropriate. This will bring them in line with the Secretary of State’s regulations, where the only current statutory requirement to consult is the police.
• The introduction of a requirement for traffic authorities to consult town or parish councils (plus district councils where applicable in two-tier areas) regarding permanent traffic orders.

Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “It is right that residents and businesses are told about changes to their local roads. But councils and the Highways Agency should have the freedom to use their local knowledge to decide how best to do this rather than being forced to spend taxpayers’ money on indiscriminate advertising.

“These changes will save council taxpayers, the Highways Agency and businesses millions of pounds that they will now be able to spend on improving services for local residents.”

The consultation, which lasts until 23 April 2012, can be viewed here. 

The DfT also announced that new rules would come into place on Monday (30 January) that mean councils no longer need Whitehall approval to introduce certain traffic signs.