Restrictions on traffic movement
We can introduce traffic controls to improve road safety or manage vehicle movements. Any request must have support from the wider community.
Types of traffic control
We have powers to introduce requirements, restrictions, and bans for all traffic or specific types of vehicle.
Traffic controls can include:
- stop and give way signs
- compulsory or prohibited turns
- traffic bans, including weight limits
- speed limits
- bus lanes and bus gates
- cycle facilities
How we assess requests
We may introduce controls to address a road safety concern at a specific location. For example, we may ban U-turns on a dual carriageway.
We may also introduce controls to manage vehicle movements across the road network.
We can consider your request, but it must have support from the wider community. Support from one person or a small group is not enough.
Your local ward councillors must support the request before it can progress to a proposal. A significant majority of affected residents or businesses must then show their support.
The proposal must also support our wider objectives.
Traffic Regulation Orders
Most traffic restrictions require a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), although some do not.
Creating a TRO can cost about £5,000 and take significant time and resources. It must follow a legal consultation process.
We consult affected people and organisations, including:
- local residents
- local businesses
- community groups
- ward councillors
- emergency services
- public service operators
- motoring organisations
- haulage associations
Find out more about the Traffic Regulation Order process.
Request a traffic control
If you think a location needs a traffic control, contact your local ward councillors to discuss your concerns.
If we consider the requested control appropriate, it must follow a three-stage process. Read about the Traffic Regulation Order process.
How traffic controls are enforced
The police enforce all the traffic restrictions and bans listed on this page.
We also use council enforcement cameras for bus lanes and bus gates.