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WHAT IS A TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ORDER?

Motorists often hear the words "Traffic Managenent Order" but what these documents are is not often understood.

 

In its simplest termd a Traffic Management Order (often referred to as a "TMO") is a legal document adopted by a local authority or Transport for lLondon which sets out the parking and other restrictions on streets under the authorities control.

So for example it may state that there is a 24/7 parking restriction in say XYZ Street.  Similarly it may state that there is a loading restriction between 11 am and 4 pm Monday to Friday on ABC Street. Of course the language used will be more legalistic.

 

It will also set out the exemptions to an restrictions imposed.  It will also often restate the normal exemptions for setting down and picking up passengers.

The restrictions that councils impose in a TMO must be evidenced by road markings and signs and where they are absent or in conflict with the restrictions that's where the legal arguments about enforceabilty start.

CONSULTATION PROCESS BEFORE A TMO IS BROUGHT IN

Before a new TMO is implemented the lauthority will have to consult about its proposed measures with with the Fire Brigade, Police and Transport associations (these must by law be copnsulted and are often referred to as "Statutory Consultees") and the general public.

 

1. The authority will initially publish a draft order giving details of the proposed scheme.  This draft is sent to the statutory consultees.

2.  An advertisement must be placed placed in the London Gazette and at least one local newspaper.  The advertisement must state how to make an objection against the proposals.

3. Authorities will also place notices on street furniture such as street lights.  This will normally be only in the streets affected by the proposals.( This is an interesting issue as if street DEF has a 24/7 ban on loading proposed will street GHI next to it be affected by vehicles whic can no longer use DEF?)

4. After publication of the advertisement (see 2 above) there is a period of 21 days in which anybody lodge an objection against the published proposals .

5. Copies of the draft orders should be available at the authority's offices and libraries in the areas affected.

6. If there are no objections then the authority will adopt the TMO  and place an advertisement in the local paper.

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