Traffic and Highway Related Legislation - Notes for the non-geeks, lost or forgetful

June 2018

Always use live updated document for current legislation as it changes often.
Notes
Useful links:-

Traffic Management Act 2004

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2004/ukpga_20040018_en_1
Network, Traffic and Road Space Management
Civil Enforcement incl
Parking across dropped kerbs s86
Double Parking s85
Erect bollards or other obstructions to prevent passage contrary to an order s92

Highways Act 1980 - Current Highways Act

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1980/66/contents
Duty to maintain s41
Cycle Tracks on existing Highway s65
Stopping Up s116 (also T&C Planning Act 1990 s247)
Duty to protect rights s130
Highway Authorities Statutory Duties Damage to highway s131
Wilful Obstruction s137
Deposit of things / materials s148
Duty to clear snow and other obstructions s150
Widths of footpaths bridleways etc s160 Shed 12A
Highway Licenses Danger or annoyance incl material on highway s161
Duties to regard needs of disabled and blind s 175a
Retaining Walls within 4yds (3.66m) of a street s167

Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/RevisedStatutes/Acts/ukpga/1984/cukpga_19840027_en_1
http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/content.aspx?activeTextDocId=2223862
Traffic Regulation Orders
Traffic Signs s64

The Local Authorities' Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996
SI (1996) 2489
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1996/Uksi_19962489_en_1.htm
http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/legResults.aspx?LegType=All+Legislation&title=traffic+procedure&searc
hEnacted=0&extentMatchOnly=0&confersPower=0&blanketAmendment=0&sortAlpha=0&TYPE=QS
&PageNumber=1&NavFrom=0&activeTextDocId=3046943
consultation and notices

The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 wef: 26 April 2016
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/362/contents/made

PDFVersion: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/362/pdfs/uksi_20160362_en.pdf

Guidance Document:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/523916/DfT-circular-
01-2016.pdf
For 2002 Regs see next page

SAFETY AT STREET WORKS AND ROAD WORKS - A CODE OF PRACTICE

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/321056/safety-at-streetworks.pdf

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Traffic and Highway Related Legislation - Notes for the non-geeks, lost or forgetful
June 2018

Traffic Signs Special Authorisations

http://www.dft.gov.uk/traffic-auths/
always check these for changes / additions
3 Country Wide sets for each Traffic Authority in London and outside London

The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002

Superseded April 2016
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/3113/contents/made
see also Traffic Signs Manual for guidance (link below)
See also amendments: (2003-si393); (2004-si1275);(2005-si1670);(2006-si2083);(2008-si2177);
(2011-si1040 & si3041
always check the 2011 No2 amendment below

The Traffic Signs (Amendment) (No2) Regulations and General Directions 2011
Superseded April 2016
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/3041/contents/made
always check this one for changes
Restricted / Permit Only Zones
Car charging bays
Cycle Contra flow with no lane
TAL 1/12 ADVICE NOTE available
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/43517/tal-1-12.pdf

The Road Traffic (Temporary Restrictions) Procedure Regulations 1992

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/1215/contents/made
Temporary Orders

Traffic Management Permit Scheme Regulations 2007

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/3372/contents/made

The Street Works (Fixed Penalty) (England) Regulations 2007

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/1952/contents/made

Road Traffic Act 1991

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1991/40/contents
Cycling
Taxis
Blue Badges

Road Traffic Act 1988

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/52/contents
Driving / Parking on Cycle Tracks s21
Unnecessary Obstruction of Highways22
Driving across land not Highway s34
Driving across land to park s34
Drivers to comply with Traffic Signs s36
Cycling s28-30
LAs to carry out studies of RTC and take action s39(3)

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Traffic and Highway Related Legislation - Notes for the non-geeks, lost or forgetful
June 2018

The Road Traffic Exemptions (Special Forces) (Variation and Amendment) Regulations 2011
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/935/contents/made

The Local Authorities' Traffic Orders (Exemptions for Disabled Persons) (England)
Regulations 2000
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2000/20000683.htm
Blue Badge Exemptions
(must be incl in TROs)

The Traffic Exemption (Special Force) (Variation and Amendment) Regulations 2011
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/935/contents/made

The Disabled Persons (Badges for Motor Vehicles) (England) Regulations 2000
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2000/20000682.htm

Road Traffic Regulation (Special Events) Act 1994

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1994/Ukpga_19940011_en_1.htm

Transport Act 1985

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1985/67/contents
“Local Service” Definition

Transport Act 2000

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/38/contents
!!! lots of amendments
Bus Lane Definition s144 (5&6)
The Traffic Signs (Temporary Obstructions) Regulations 1997
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3053/contents/made

The Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions (England) General Regulations 2007

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/3483/contents/made
Owner liable for PCN
Reg 8 PCN Requirement
See also 2015si1001 amendments
10 mins grace
CCTV only on No Stopping
Town Police Clauses Act 1847 (c. 89)
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/RevisedStatutes/Acts/ukpga/1847/plain/cukpga_18470089_en
Obstructing Highway – Start of legislation (case law minefield)
Nuisances on Highway
“Keep left” s28
Highway Act 1835 (c. 50)
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/RevisedStatutes/Acts/ukpga/1835/cukpga_18350050_en_1
Riding on footpaths s72
“Keep left” s78

Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/16/contents
Car sales and Car Maintenance on Highway s3 & 4

London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act 2013

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/2013/5/contents/enacted
Fixing Street LC and Signs to buildings
Recovery of Cost Damage to Highway
Skip charges

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05/06/2018
Traffic and Highway Related Legislation - Notes for the non-geeks, lost or forgetful
June 2018

New Roads and Street Works Act 1991

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/Acts/localact2003/ukla_20030003_en_1
Duty (best endeavours) to coordinate street works s59

London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act 2003

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/Acts/localact2003/ukla_20030003_en_1
Parking on footways and across dropped kerbs in London
Partly s/s by TMA2004

London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act 2008

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/2008/3/contents/enacted

Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1974

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/1974/24/contents
section 15(4) No Parking on Footways
also see Section 30 of the Exeter City Act 1987

Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48)

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/RevisedStatutes/Acts/ukpga/1982/plain/cukpga_19820048_en
Current Fine Levels

The Street Works (Qualifications of Supervisors and Operatives) Regulations 2009

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2009/uksi_20092257_en_1

Zebra, Pelican and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations and General Directions 1997
[ZPPPCRGD] Opens new window
Superseded by TSRGD2016
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1997/19972400.htm

The Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982 and the Motorways Traffic
(Scotland) Regulations 1995
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1982/1163/contents/made
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/cy/uksi/1995/2507/made

The Cycle Tracks Act 1984

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1984/38
Note off c/way Cycleways can be constructed on Highways under Highway Act

The Cycle Tracks Regulations 1984

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1984/1431/contents/made

The Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1025/contents/made

Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 (c.57)

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/RevisedStatutes/Acts/ukpga/1976/cukpga_19760057_en_1
Private Hire Cars
Powers to make Taxi ranks (must comply with TSRGD)
Dangerous Trees
Blocked Private Sewers

Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 (c. 30)

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/RevisedStatutes/Acts/ukpga/1982/cukpga_19820030_en_1

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Traffic and Highway Related Legislation - Notes for the non-geeks, lost or forgetful
June 2018

Street Trading

The Bus Lane Contraventions (Approved Local Authorities) (England)

(Amendment) Order 2010
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/uksi_20100099_en_1

The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1994

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1994/Uksi_19941519_en_1.htm
Superseded but check for savings
Also Signs or variations of signs may still be valid if not removed by later Regs

Metropolitan Public Carriage Act 1869

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/RevisedStatutes/Acts/ukpga/1869/cukpga_18690115_en_1
Section 6 Taxis

The Local Authorities (Transport Charges) Regulations 1998

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1998/948/schedule/made
Highway Licenses

The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1986/1078/regulation/3/made
Vehicle Classes / Definitions

Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/16/contents
Section 66 New RoW do not include Motor Vehicles

Protection of Freedoms Act 2012

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2012/9/schedule/4
Parking on Private Land- Sch 4

The Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions (England) Representations and Appeals

Regulations 2007
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/3482/contents/made

Possibly Coming soon:-

• The Local Authorities Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England) Regulations 20xx.
• The Road Traffic (Temporary Provisions) (Procedure) Amendment – England) Regulations
20xx.
• The Secretary of State’s Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales (Amendment
England) Regulations 20xx.
*******************************************

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Traffic and Highway Related Legislation - Notes for the non-geeks, lost or forgetful
June 2018

Unlinked:-
Misc – Enforcement Legislation
Check TMA2004 first

ROAD TRAFFIC, ENGLAND

The Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions (England) General (Amendment) Regulations 2009 SI
2009 No. 478

ROAD TRAFFIC, ENGLAND

The Bus Lane Contraventions (Penalty Charges, Adjudication and Enforcement) (England) Regulations
2005 SI 2005 No. 2757
ROAD TRAFFIC, ENGLAND
The Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions (Guidelines on Levels of Charges) (England) Order
20072007 No. 3487

*******************************************

Miscellaneous Traffic Related Guidance - Notes for those seeking knowledge of

guidelines

Highways Agency – Specialist Information

http://www.highways.gov.uk/specialist-information/

GOOD PRACTICE GUIDANCE

https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/managing-improving-and-investing-in-the-road-
network/supporting-pages/traffic-signs

• traffic advisory leaflets

• local transport notes
• mini roundabouts: good practice guidance
• inclusive mobility - best practice on access to pedestrian and transport infrastructure
• guidance on the use of tactile paving surfaces
• manual for streets
• puffin crossing toolkit
• puffin crossings good practice guide

ROADS CIRCULARS -Current

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/roads-circulars

TRAFFIC SIGNS MANUAL

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-signs-manual

AREA-WIDE AUTHORISATIONS AND SPECIAL DIRECTIONS GUIDANCE NOTE

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/3218/area-wide-
authorisations-special-directions.pdf

Signs no longer prescribed by TSRGD

Link no longer available

Working drawings for traffic signs

https://www.gov.uk/working-drawings-for-traffic-signs

TRANSPORT ADVICE PORTAL

http://tap.iht.org/

Definition of vehicle categories

http://www.dft.gov.uk/vca/vehicletype/definition-of-vehicle-categories.asp
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Traffic and Highway Related Legislation - Notes for the non-geeks, lost or forgetful
June 2018

STATUTORY GUIDANCE TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES: PARKING POLICY AND ENFORCEMENT

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/479849/final-statutory-guidance.pdf

OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES: PARKING POLICY AND ENFORCEMENT

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/496987/operational-guidance.pdf

STREET WORKS GUIDANCE AND INFORMATION

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/street-works

HOME ZONES: CHALLENGING THE FUTURE OF OUR STREETS

http://www.dft.gov.uk/homezones

THINK! ROAD SAFETY

http://www.dft.gov.uk/think/

ACT ON CO2
http://campaigns.direct.gov.uk/actonco2/home.html

URBAN TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL (UTMC)

http://www.utmc.uk.com/

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Traffic and Highway Related Legislation - Notes for the non-geeks, lost or forgetful
June 2018

Consents and Licenses to be obtained by persons intending to carry out works on Highway

Note:
1. The application must be made by the contractor carrying out the improvement work or the
owner of the apparatus being installed.
2. Applicant must be Public Liability Insured for the works.
3. Work must be carried out by someone with the correct accreditation under the New Roads
and Street Works Act 1991 for the works carried out.
4. The work must be supervised by someone with the correct accreditation under the New
Roads and Street Works Act 1991

Application / Consent required under The Highways Act 1980 for the following:

Section 139 - Builders Skips

Section 142 - License to plant trees or shrubs in the Public Highway
Section 169 - Scaffolding
Section 171 - Road Opening Notice - Any excavations or depositing of building materials
Section 172 - Hoardings and other temporary structures
Section 169 or 178 - Operation of crane or MEWP that is on or over-sails the highway
Section 178 - Operation of crane that is on or over-sails the highway
Section 184 - Vehicle Crossing application

Section 148 - Penalty for depositing things….. On the highway

Section 161 - Penalty for causing certain kind of danger or annoyance

Application / Consent required under The Traffic Management Act 2004 for the following:

Road Space Booking

Notice Period Minimum Required: 3 month, 10 days, 3 days depending on works duration. (11+days;
4-10 days; 1-3 days)

Temporary Traffic Lights or Portable Traffic Signals

SEHAUC EToN Works
Temporary obstruction of TROs / Parking spaces

Penalty Notices can be issued for non-compliance of notices, programme or specifications.

Application / Consent required under The NRSWA 1991 for the following:

Section 54 - Advance Notice of Works

Section 55 - Notice of stating date of works (7+ days)

Section 50a – License for placing Private apparatus not to be adopted by a Statutory Undertaker
Section 50b – License for maintenance to Private apparatus

Penalty Notices can be issued for non-compliance of notices, programme or specifications.

Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders:

Road Closures, Diversions, Cycle or Bus lane closures, Traffic Signals, Temporary changes to parking /
waiting /loading arrangements

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Traffic and Highway Related Legislation - Notes for the non-geeks, lost or forgetful
June 2018

Highway Authority Statutory Duties

A Highway Authority, by virtue of the Highways Act 1980, has the following statutory duties:

1. Sections 41 (& 329) Duty to maintain and repair the public highway including drains
2. Section 130 Duty to assert and protect the rights of the public on Highway and highway
waste
3. Section 150 Duty to clear snow or other material from highway
4. Section 175A Duty to have regard to needs of disabled and blind in executing works, etc

Highway Authority also has statutory duties under the following:

• New Roads and Street Works Act 1991

o Duty to coordinate works S59

• Traffic Management Act 2004

o Duty to manage the network S16

Any insistence or direction by a Highway Authority that is not part of a statutory duty, is likely to
put the Highway Authority within the scope of a designer under the CDM2015 Reg 9

Regulation 9

73 Local authority or government officials may give advice and instruction on designs meeting statutory
requirements (eg the Building Regulations), but this does not make them designers. A designer may have
no choice but to comply with these requirements, which are a ‘design constraint’. However, if statutory
bodies ask for particular features to be included or excluded which go beyond what the law requires (eg
stipulating the absence of edge protection on flat roofs if there is no basis in planning law or policies to do
so), they may become designers under CDM 2015 and must comply with its requirements.

Except for signs required by section 66 of the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984, there is no
statutory duty to provide signs (or markings as signs) on the highway, therefore any requirement or
direction by a Highway Authority is an exercise of its powers.

Provision of Street Lighting is not a statutory duty.

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