The Peninsula traffic reduction scheme was implemented under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) which was made on 24th September 2020. Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) are legal documents that enable a local highway authority to prohibit, restrict or reduce the use of a road by traffic.
An ETRO can stay in force for up to a maximum of 18 months while the effects are monitored and assessed, this period ends and the ETRO expires on 24th March 2022. The Local Authorities' Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996 allow for the modification of experimental traffic orders, no more than 12 months after the order was made if the right to make the order permanent before it expires is to be retained.
If the Council wishes to retain the ability to convert the ETRO into a permanent TMO at the end of the experimental period it will be necessary to take a decision on the Peninsula experimental scheme before the ETRO expires on 24th March 2022.
The Council, therefore, needs to consider now whether to make the experimental scheme permanent.
For the reasons set out above, there are clear grounds for urgency, and it would not be prudent, nor in the public / taxpayer’s interests to wait for:
- 5 clear days notice to be given before the decision is taken; or
- call in to expire.