Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (ETROs)

Use this page to find out why and how we sometimes choose to introduce changes to traffic restrictions through a consultative process called an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO).

What ETROs do

All Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) control or restrict how a piece of road can be used. They can place restrictions on:

• types of traffic (such as cars, vehicles over a certain weight, pedestrians, cyclists)
• uses of the road (such as prohibiting use completely, restricting the direction of travel, suspending or moving parking or waiting provision)

An Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) can perform all of these TRO functions, but on an experimental basis, for a set period of time. In effect, an ETRO is a long-running public consultation. It gives road users and other stakeholders (such as nearby businesses and residents) the opportunity to experience in action new rules of the road, and to give us feedback on how well those new rules work.

ETROs can run up to a maximum of 18 months. This may consist of set times (typically 6 months) where we'll review user feedback, and decide whether to extend or revoke the ETRO. 

Read more about the legal basis and format of ETROs

We have the power to create ETROs under the following legislation:

• Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984 (sections 9 and 10)
• Local Authorities' Traffic Orders Procedures (regulations 22 and 23)

ETRO documentation consists of 3 documents:

• A summary of the proposed Order
• A report which shows the decisions behind the Order
• A Notice of Making and mapping, showing where the Order will apply, and the legal wording (the notice will include blanks for dates and signatories, which will be completed if the Order is approved and implemented)

How we use them

The main difference between how we use ETROs and other sorts of TRO is that for ETROs, we actually implement traffic control measures before opening our consultation on the change. 

We use an ETRO, rather than another form of traffic control, in particular situations:

• We may want to remove or amend restrictions quickly, if they prove to be ineffective or have unacceptable side-effects.
• We expect we may need to amend restrictions, in the light of experience.
• We think it will be more effective to consult with the restrictions in place than with them simply being ‘on paper’
• We need to act quickly, but don't think that a Temporary TRO is appropriate.

The process of implementing an ETRO

An ETRO is a legal document that gives our Enforcement Officers power to restrict access, and control parking, within the required streets, for a fixed period, while we consult the public about these restrictions. Like other sorts of TRO, there is a legal process we must follow to put ETROs into action.

Select a topic below to read more about each stage of the process.

Seek internal comment and decision

Because ETROs see traffic restrictions put in place before the public can comment, the process for designing the scheme is at least as important as that for other sorts of TRO. Before considering putting an ETRO in place, we'll consult a number of local representatives and experts. For example:

• Your local Ward Members
• Council Cabinet Members (especially those responsible for Transport)
• The Police and other Emergency Services
• The Road Haulage Association (RHA) and the Freight Transport Association (FTA)

Publish Notice of Making and put restrictions in place

Following the internal consultation process, we'll decide what restrictions we plan to put in place. We then publish a Notice of Making in the local press, to give road users, residents and businesses some warning before the restrictions come into operation. 7 days after the Notice of Making, we can implement the experimental restrictions.

Publicise the ETRO

We will advertise the ETRO in local newspapers and on-street notices, and make copies available at our public libraries and One Stop Shops. We also write to businesses and other properties directly affected by the restrictions. We also publicise the story via our website newsroom, and often also hold in-person events and webinars to give people a chance to find out more.

Hold a public consultation

When implementing any TRO (including ETROs), there is a set legal process to follow. For ETROs, this includes a public consultation of at least 6 months. In response to any TRO consultation, you can state whether you support or object to the TRO, and give reasons for any objections you have.

Compile and issue a consultation report

It is a legal requirement for us to publish in full all comments we receive during these consultations, in a publicly available report.

Resolve any outstanding objections

If we receive valid objections to the ETRO, we may negotiate with the objector, and try to find a compromise which will persuade them to withdraw their objection. If we cannot readily satisfy the objection by modifying the Order, then we may hold a public inquiry. In planning when to use an ETRO, and what restrictions to trial, we make every effort to avoid the project going to public inquiry, as this process is expensive and time-consuming, and most likely indicates that the project was not really suitable for the ETRO route. If a public enquiry is necessary, the ETRO can be extended by up to 6 months, while the inquiry takes place.

Make the final decision

Our Director of Place Management makes the final informed decision about implementing the scheme, based on the consultation report (and, if necessary, the public inquiry). In the case of ETROs, the process of changing restrictions and asking for public comment may happen more than once, before making a final decision.