Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984

Part II E+W+S Traffic Regulation in Special Cases

14 Temporary prohibition or restriction of traffic on roads. E+W+S

[F1 (1) If the traffic authority for a road are satisfied that traffic on the road should be restricted or prohibited—

(a) by reason that works are being or are proposed to be executed on or near the road, or

(b) by reason of the likelihood of danger to the public or of serious damage to the road,

the authority may by order restrict or prohibit temporarily the use of the road, or any part of it, by vehicles, or by vehicles of any class, or by pedestrians, to such extent and subject to such conditions or exceptions as they may consider necessary.

(2) A traffic authority when considering the question of the making of an order under subsection (1) shall have regard to the existence of alternative routes suitable for the traffic which will be affected by the order.]

[F2 (3) The traffic authority for a road may at any time by notice restrict or prohibit temporarily the use of the road, or any part of it, by vehicles, or by vehicles of any class, or by pedestrians, where, owing to the likelihood of danger to the public or of serious damage to the road, it appears to them necessary that such a restriction or prohibition should come into force without delay.]

[F3 (3A) Subject to the following provisions of this section and to sections 15 and 16 of this Act, a [F4 traffic authority] may also make an order under subsection (1) or issue a notice under subsection (3) above where the authority is satisfied or (as the case may be) where it appears to the authority that traffic on the [F5 road] should be restricted or prohibited for the purpose of enabling the duty imposed by subsection (1)(a) or (2) of section 89 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (litter clearing and cleaning) to be discharged.]

(4) The provision that may be made by an order under subsection (1) or a notice under subsection (3) above is—

(a) any such provision as is mentioned in any of subsections (1) to (3) of section 2 of this Act, or

(b) any provision restricting the speed of vehicles;

but no such order or notice shall be made or issued with respect to any road which would have the effect of preventing at any time access for pedestrians to any premises situated on or adjacent to the road, or to any other premises accessible for pedestrians from, and only from, the road.

[F6 (5) Where a traffic authority (“the initiating authority”) make an order under subsection (1) or issue a notice under subsection (3), any such provision as is described in any of paragraphs (a) to (c) of section 2(2) or in section 2(3) of this Act may be made as respects any alternative road by an order made—

(a) in a case where the initiating authority are the traffic authority for the alternative road, by that authority;

(b) in any other case—

(i) where the traffic authority for the alternative road is a local traffic authority, by the initiating authority with the consent of that authority;

(ii) where the traffic authority for the alternative road is the Secretary of State, by him on the application of the initiating authority.]

(6) Subsections (1) and (2) of section 3 of this Act shall apply to an order under subsection (5) above as they apply to a traffic regulation order.

(7) An order made or notice issued under this section may suspend any statutory provision of a description which could have been contained in the order or notice, or, in the case of an order under subsection (5) above, any statutory provision prohibiting the use of roads by through traffic, and any such provision (other than one contained in the order or notice) shall have effect subject to the order or notice.

(8) In the case of an order made or notice issued under this section by a highway authority in Greater London, the description of statutory provision which may be suspended by the order or notice shall include any order made under section 45, 46 or 49 of this Act or any such order as is mentioned in paragraph 11(1) of Schedule 10 to this Act.

(9) In this section “alternative road”, in relation to a road as respects which an order is made under subsection (1) or a notice is issued under subsection (3) above, means a road which—

(a) provides an alternative route for traffic diverted from the first-mentioned road or from any other alternative road, or

(b) is capable of providing such an alternative route apart from any statutory provision authorised by subsection (7) above to be suspended by an order under subsection (5) above.

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 14(1)(2) substituted (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para. 26(2); which substitution is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

F2 S. 14(3) substituted (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para. 26(3); which substitution is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

F3 S. 14(3A) inserted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 162, Sch. 15 para. 23(2); S.I. 1991/1042, art. 2

F4 Words in s. 14(3A) substituted (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para. 26(4)(a); which substitution is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

F5 Word in s. 14(3A) substituted (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para. 26(4)(b); which substitution is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

F6 S. 14(5) substituted (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para. 26(5); which substitution is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch.2 and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 14(2) modified (26.4.1992) by Severn Bridges Act 1992 (c. 3), ss. 22(1), 42(1); S.I. 1992/578, art.2.

C2 S. 14(3) modified (E.W.) by Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Act 1988 (c. 20, SIF 59), ss. 19, 24(1)

15 Duration of orders and notices under s. 14. E+W+S

(1) Subject to subsections (2) to (4) below, an order under section 14 of this Act shall not continue in force for more than 3 months.

(2) If the Secretary of State gives his consent to any such order continuing in force for a period longer than that authorised under subsection (1) above, the order shall continue in force until the end of such period as may be specified by the Secretary of State in giving his consent.

(3) Where the Secretary of State refuses to give his consent under subsection (2) above, no subsequent order shall, except with the approval of the Secretary of State, be made under section 14 of this Act as respects any length of road to which the previous order related, unless at least 3 months have expired from the time when the previous order ceased to have effect.

(4) Subsections (1) to (3) above do not apply to an order made by the Secretary of State or [F7 by a London borough council or the Common Council of the City of London].

(5) A notice issued under section 14(3) of this Act shall not continue in force for a longer period than 14 days from the date of the notice.

Textual Amendments

F7 Words substituted by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), ss. 1, 2, 8(1), Sch. 5 para. 4(7)

16 Supplementary provisions as to orders and notices under s. 14. E+W+S

(1) A person who contravenes, or who uses or permits the use of a vehicle in contravention of, a restriction or prohibition imposed under section 14 of this Act shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) The provisions of Schedule 3 to this Act shall have effect as to notifying the exercise or proposed exercise of the powers conferred by section 14 of this Act and otherwise in relation to that section.

F8 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F8 S. 16(3)(4) repealed (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1)(2), Sch. 8 para. 27, Sch.9; which repeal is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch.2. and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 S. 16 excluded (temp.) (1.10.1991) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 76(3)(c) (with s. 79(1)); S.I. 1991/2054, art. 3, Sch.

C4 S. 16(1) modified (E.W.) by Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Act 1988 (c. 20, SIF 59) ss. 19, 24(3)

Valid from 03/05/1994

[F9 16A Prohibition or restriction on roads in connection with certain events. E+W+S

(1) In this section “relevant event” means any sporting event, social event or entertainment which is held on a road.

(2) If the traffic authority for a road are satisfied that traffic on the road should be restricted or prohibited for the purpose of—

(a) facilitating the holding of a relevant event,

(b) enabling members of the public to watch a relevant event, or

(c) reducing the disruption to traffic likely to be caused by a relevant event,

the authority may by order restrict or prohibit temporarily the use of that road, or any part of it, by vehicles or vehicles of any class or by pedestrians, to such extent and subject to such conditions or exceptions as they may consider necessary or expedient.

(3) Before making an order under this section the authority shall satisfy themselves that it is not reasonably practicable for the event to be held otherwise than on a road.

(4) An order under this section—

(a) may not be made in relation to any race or trial falling within subsection (1) of section 12 of the M1 Road Traffic Act 1988 (motor racing on public ways);

(b) may not be made in relation to any competition or trial falling within subsection (1) of section 13 of that Act (regulation of motoring events on public ways) unless the competition or trial is authorised by or under regulations under that section; and

(c) may not be made in relation to any race or trial falling within subsection (1) of section 31 of that Act (regulation of cycle racing on public ways) unless the race or trial is authorised by or under regulations made under that section.

(5) An order under this section may relate to the road on which the relevant event is to be held or to any other road.

(6) In the case of a road for which the Secretary of State is the traffic authority, the power to make an order under this section is also exercisable, with his consent, by the local traffic authority or by any local traffic authority which is the traffic authority for any other road to which the order relates.

(7) In the case of a road for which a local traffic authority is the traffic authority, the power to make an order under this section is also exercisable, with the consent of that local traffic authority, by a local traffic authority which is the traffic authority for any other road to which the order relates.

(8) When considering the making of an order under this section, an authority shall have regard to the safety and convenience of alternative routes suitable for the traffic which will be affected by the order.

(9) The provision that may be made by an order under this section is—

(a) any such provision as is mentioned in section 2(1), (2) or (3) or 4(1) of this Act;

(b) any provision restricting the speed of vehicles; or

(c) any provision restricting or prohibiting—

(i) the riding of horses, or

(ii) the leading or driving of horses, cattle, sheep or other animals,

but no such order shall be made with respect to any road which would have the effect of preventing at any time access for pedestrians to any premises situated on or adjacent to the road, or to any other premises accessible for pedestrians from, and only from, the road.

(10) An order under this section may—

(a) suspend any statutory provision to which this subsection applies; or

(b) for any of the purposes mentioned in subsection (2) above, suspend any such provision without imposing any such restriction or prohibition as is mentioned in that subsection.

(11) Subsection (10) above applies to—

(a) any statutory provision of a description which could have been contained in an order under this section;

(b) an order under section 32(1)(b), 35, 45, 46 or 49 of this Act or any such order as is mentioned in paragraph 11(1) of Schedule 10 to this Act; and

(c) an order under section 6 of this Act so far as it designates any parking places in Greater London.]

Textual Amendments

F9 S. 16A inserted (3.5.1994) by S.I. 1994 c. 11, s. 1(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 S. 16A applied (with modifications) (21.9.2008) by London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act 2008 (c. iii), ss. 1(2), 12

C6 S. 16A applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (temp. from 5.10.2009) by London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Act 2006 (c. 12), ss. 16(1), 40(2)(6), 41(3); S.I. 2009/2577, art. 2

Marginal Citations

M1 1988 c. 52.

Valid from 03/05/1994

[F10 16B Restrictions on orders under s. 16A. E+W+S

(1) An order under section 16A of this Act shall not continue in force for a period of more than three days beginning with the day on which it comes into force unless—

(a) the order is made by the Secretary of State as the traffic authority for the road concerned; or

(b) before the order is made, he has agreed that it should continue in force for a longer period.

(2) Where an order under section 16A of this Act has not ceased to be in force and the relevant event to which it relates has not ended, the Secretary of State may, subject to subsections (4) and (5) below, from time to time direct that the order shall continue in force for a further period not exceeding three days beginning with the day on which it would otherwise cease to be in force.

(3) A direction under subsection (2) above may relate to all the roads to which the order under section 16A of this Act relates or only to specified roads.

(4) Where an order under section 16A of this Act relates only to roads for which the Secretary of State is not himself the traffic authority, he shall not give a direction under subsection (2) above except at the request of the traffic authority for any road to which the order relates.

(5) Where an order under section 16A of this Act relates to any road for which the Secretary of State is not himself the traffic authority, he shall not give a direction under subsection (2) above affecting that road except with the consent of the traffic authority for that road.

(6) Where an order has been made under section 16A of this Act in any calendar year, no further order may be made under that section in that year so as to affect any length of road affected by the previous order, unless the further order—

(a) is made by the Secretary of State as the traffic authority for the road concerned; or

(b) is made with his consent.

(7) For the purposes of subsection (6) above, a length of road is affected by an order under section 16A of this Act if the order contains provisions—

(a) prohibiting or restricting traffic on that length of road; or

(b) suspending any statutory provision applying to traffic on that length of road.]

Textual Amendments

F10 S. 16B inserted (3.5.1994) by 1994 c. 11, s. 1(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 S. 16B applied (with modifications) (21.9.2008) by London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act 2008 (c. iii), ss. 1(2), 13

C8 S. 16B excluded (E.W.) (temp. from 5.10.2009) by London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Act 2006 (c. 12), ss. 16(2), 40(2)(6), 41(3); S.I. 2009/2577, art. 2

Valid from 03/05/1994

[F11 16C Supplementary provisions as to orders under s. 16A. E+W+S

(1) A person who contravenes, or who uses or permits the use of a vehicle in contravention of, a restriction or prohibition imposed by an order under section 16A of this Act shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) The Secretary of State may make regulations with respect to the procedure to be followed in connection with the making of orders under section 16A of this Act including provision for notifying the public of the exercise or proposed exercise of the powers conferred by that section and of the effect of orders made in the exercise of those powers.

(3) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (2) above, the Secretary of State may by regulations under that subsection make, in relation to such orders as he thinks appropriate, provision—

(a) for the making and consideration of representations relating to a proposed order; and

(b) for any of the matters mentioned in paragraph 22(1)(a), (c), (d) or (e) of Schedule 9 to this Act;

and paragraph 25 of that Schedule shall apply to regulations under that subsection as it applies to regulations under Part III of that Schedule.]

Textual Amendments

F11 S. 16C inserted (3.5.1994) by 1994 c. 11, s. 1(1)

17 Traffic regulation on special roads. E+W+S

[F12 (1) A special road shall not be used except by traffic of a class authorised to do so—

(a) in England and Wales, by a scheme made, or having effect as if made, under section 16 of the Highways Act 1980 or by virtue of paragraph 3 of Schedule 23 to that Act, or

(b) in Scotland, by a scheme made, or having effect as if made, under section 7 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984.]

(2) The Secretary of State may make regulations with respect to the use of special roads,[F13 Such regulations may, in particular—

(a) regulate the manner in which and the conditions subject to which special roads may be used by traffic authorised to do so;]

(b) authorise, or enable such authority as may be specified in the regulations to authorise, the use of special roads on occasion or in an emergency or for the purpose of crossing, or for the purpose of securing access to premises abutting on or adjacent to the roads, by traffic other than that described in paragraph (a) above; or

(c) relax, or enable any authority so specified to relax, any prohibition or restriction imposed by the regulations.

(3) Regulations made under subsection (2) above may make provision with respect to special roads generally, or may make different provision with respect to special roads provided for the use of different classes of traffic, or may make provision with respect to any particular special road.

(4) If a person uses a special road in contravention of this section or of regulations under subsection (2) above, he shall be guilty of an offence.

[F14 (5) The provisions of this section and of any regulations under subsection (2) above do not apply in relation to a road, or part of a road, until the date declared by the traffic authority, by notice published in the prescribed manner, to be the date on which the road or part is open for use as a special road.

This does not prevent the making of regulations under subsection (2) above before that date, so as to come into force in relation to that road or part on that date.]

(6) In this section “use”, in relation to a road, includes crossing, F15 . . .

Textual Amendments

F12 S. 17(1) substituted (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para. 28(2); which substitution is in force for Scotland only by 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch.2. and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

F13 Words in s. 17(2) substituted (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para. 28(3); which substitution is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch. 2. and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

F14 S. 17(5) substituted (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para. 28(4); which substitution is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch. 2. and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

F15 Words in s. 17(6) repealed (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1)(2), Sch. 8 para. 28(5), Sch.9; which repeal is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch. 2. and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3, Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9 S. 17 modified (13.2.1992) by Severn Bridges Act 1992 (c. 3), s. 22(3)

[F16 17A Further provisions as to special roads. E+W+S

(1) On the date declared by the traffic authority, by notice published in the prescribed manner, to be the date on which a special road, or a part of a special road, is open for use as a special road, any existing order under section 1, 6, 9 or 84 of this Act relating to that road or part shall cease to have effect.

(2) This is without prejudice to any power to make orders under those provisions in relation to the road or part as a special road; and any such power may be exercised before the date referred to above, so as to take effect on that date.

(3) The procedure for making an order applies in such a case with such modifications as may be prescribed.]

Textual Amendments

F16 S. 17A inserted (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para. 29; which insertion is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch.2. and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

18 One-way traffic on trunk roads. E+W+S

(1) Where the Secretary of State proposes to make [F17 an order under section 10 of the Highways Act 1980 or section 5 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 directing]that a road shall become a trunk road, and considers it expedient—

(a) that the road, when it becomes a trunk road, should be used only for traffic passing in one direction, and

(b) that any other road which is a trunk road, or is to become a trunk road by virtue of the order, should be used only for traffic passing in the other direction,

the order may make provision for restricting the use of those roads accordingly as from such date as may be specified in the order.

(2) Subsection (1) above shall have effect without prejudice to the powers of the Secretary of State under section 1 of this Act.

(3) A person who uses a vehicle, or causes or permits a vehicle to be used, in contravention of any provision made by virtue of subsection (1) above shall be guilty of an offence.

Textual Amendments

F17 Words in s. 18(1) substituted (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para. 30; which substitution is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch. 2. and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10 S. 18 modified (1.7.1992) by S.I. 1992/1217, reg. 3(1)(d) (with reg. 11)

S. 18 modified (1.7.1992) by S.I. 1992/1217, reg.5 (with reg. 11).

19 Regulation of use of highways by public service vehicles. E+W+S

[F18 (1) A local traffic authority outside Greater London may make orders—

(a) for determining the highways or, in Scotland, roads in their area which may or may not be used by public service vehicles;

(b) for fixing stands for public service vehicles on such highways or roads;]

(c) as to the places at which public service vehicles may stop for a longer time than is necessary for taking up and setting down passengers; and

(d) as to the manner of using such stands and places.

(2) Any such order may be made—

(a) so as to apply only to public service vehicles of a specified class, or

(b) so as to have effect as respects a limited period only or as respects only limited periods in the year,

and may make different provision for different classes of public service vehicles.

F19 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F18 Words in s. 19(1) substituted (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para. 31(2); S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch. 2; S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3, Sch.

F19 S. 19(3) repealed (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1)(2), Sch. 8 para. 31(3), Sch. 9; S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch. 2; S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3, Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C11 S. 19 restricted by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), ss. 1, 2, 8(2), Sch. 5 para. 6(3)

C12 S. 19 restricted by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), s. 8(2), Sch. 5 para. 12

C13 S. 19 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(1)(b)(2)(a)

C14 S. 19: functions made exercisable concurrently (S.) (1.11.2006) by The Transfer of Functions to the Shetland Transport Partnership Order 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/527), art. 4, Sch. 2

S. 19: functions made exercisable concurrently (S.) (7.11.2006) by The Transfer of Functions to the South-West of Scotland Transport Partnership Order 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/538), art. 4, Sch. 2

20 Prohibition or restriction of use of vehicles on roads of certain classes. E+W+S

(1) The Secretary of State, if he is satisfied that it is desirable to do so, may by order made by statutory instrument prohibit or restrict, subject to such exceptions and conditions as to occasional use or access to premises or otherwise as may be specified in the order, the driving of vehicles on all roads of any such class as may be specified in the order.

(2) A prohibition or restriction under this section may be imposed either generally or in relation to any class of vehicle; and for the purposes of this section the Secretary of State may classify roads in any manner he thinks fit, having regard to their character and situation or the nature of the traffic to which they are suited, and may determine in what class any particular road shall be included.

[F20 (3) No order under this section shall be made or apply in relation to a special road on or after the date declared by the traffic authority, by notice published in the prescribed manner, to be the date on which the special road, or the relevant part of the special road, is open for use as a special road.]

(4) A statutory instrument by which an order under this section is made, revoked or varied shall not have effect unless and until it has been approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.

(5) A person who drives a vehicle, or causes or permits a vehicle to be driven, in contravention of an order under this section shall be guilty of an offence.

Textual Amendments

F20 S. 20(3) substituted (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para.32; which substitution is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch. 2. and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C15 S. 20 excluded (23.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1736, art. 8(2)(a)

21 Permit for trailer to carry excess weight. E+W+S

(1) As regards any road or bridge the appropriate authority may, subject to such conditions as they think fit, grant a permit in respect of any trailer specified in the permit, when drawn by a heavy locomotive or a light locomotive on the road or bridge, to carry weights specified in the permit, notwithstanding that, when conveying such weights, the trailer does not comply with any regulations made, or having effect as if made, by the Secretary of State under [F21 section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1988] as to the weight laden of trailers or as to the maximum weight which may be transmitted to the road or any part of it by trailers.

(2) Where such a permit is granted in respect of a trailer it shall not, so long as the conditions (if any) attached to the permit are complied with, be an offence to carry on the road or bridge weights authorised by the permit by reason only that the trailer, when conveying them, does not comply with any such regulations.

[F22 (3) The appropriate authority for the purposes of this section is—

(a) in relation to a bridge for the maintenance of which a bridge authority is responsible, or a road passing over such a bridge, the bridge authority;

(b) in relation to any other road, the traffic authority and any other person responsible for the maintenance of the road.]

Textual Amendments

F21 Words substituted by Road Traffic (Consequential Provisions) Act 1988 (c. 54, SIF 107:1), s. 4, Sch. 3 para. 25(1)

F22 S. 21(3) substituted (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para.33; which substitution is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch. 2. and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

22 Traffic regulation for special areas in the countryside. E+W+S

(1) This section applies to roads of the following descriptions, that is to say—

(a) in the case of England and Wales (other than Greater London) roads in, or forming part of, or adjacent to or contiguous with—

(i) a National Park,

(ii) an area of outstanding natural beauty,

(iii) a country park provided under section 7(1) of the M2 Countryside Act 1968 which in the opinion of the Secretary of State serves the purpose set out in section 6(1) of that Act when the considerations in paragraphs (a) and (b) of that subsection are taken into account, and any park or pleasure ground in the Lee Valley Regional Park which in the opinion of the Secretary of State serves that purpose,

(iv) an area in which the Countryside Commission [F23 or the Countryside Council for Wales] are conducting a project or scheme under section 4 of that Act,

(v) a nature reserve or an area subject to an agreement under section 15 of that Act,

(vi) a long distance route, or

(vii) land belonging to the National Trust which is held by the Trust inalienably; and

[F24 (b) in the case of Scotland, roads in, or forming part of, or adjacent to or contiguous with—

(i) a country park within the meaning of section 48 of the Countryside (Scotland) Act 1967;

(ii) a National Scenic Area designated under section 262C of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972;

(iii) a Natural Heritage Area designated under section 6 of the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991;

(iv) an area in respect of which Scottish Natural Heritage has prepared proposals for a development project or scheme under section 5 of the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991;

(v) a nature reserve within the meaning of section 15 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 or an area which is subject to an agreement under section 15 of the Countryside Act 1968 (areas of special scientific interest);

(vi) a long distance route within the meaning of section 54 of the said Act of 1967 (power to make byelaws);

(vii) land belonging to the National Trust for Scotland which is held by the Trust inalienably; or

(viii) open country, being land which appears to the Secretary of State to consist wholly or predominantly of mountain, moor, heath, hill, woodland, cliff or foreshore, and any waterway; and in this sub-paragraph “waterway” and “foreshore” shall include any bank, barrier, dune, beach, flat or other land adjacent to the waterway or foreshore.]

(2) This Act shall have effect as respects roads to which this section applies as if the list of purposes for which a traffic regulation order may be made under section 1 of this Act, as set out in the paragraphs of subsection (1) of that section, included the purpose of conserving or enhancing the natural beauty of the area, or of affording better opportunities for the public to enjoy the amenities of the area, or recreation or the study of nature in the area.

[F25 (3) The Countryside Commission, the Countryside Council for Wales and the [F26 Scottish Natural Heritage]] may each make submissions to the Secretary of State as to the desirability of a traffic regulation order being made in relation to a road to which this section applies, whether or not it is a road for which he is the traffic authority.

(4) Where such a submission is made as respects a road for which he is not the traffic authority, and the traffic authority for the road notify him that they do not intend to make an order, the Secretary of State may by order under this subsection make any such provision as he might have made by a traffic regulation order if he had been the traffic authority.

This Act applies to such an order as to an order made by him in relation to a road for which he is the traffic authority.

Textual Amendments

F23 Words in s. 22(1)(a)(iv) inserted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 130, Sch. 8 para. 7; S.I. 1991/685, art. 3

F24 S. 22(1)(b) substituted (1.4.1992) by Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 (c. 28, SIF 46:1), s. 27(1), Sch. 10 para. 10(2); S.I. 1991/2633, art.4

F25 S. 22(3)(4) substituted (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para. 34(2); which substitution is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3, Sch.

F26 Words in s. 22(3) substituted (1.4.1992) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para. 34(3); S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch.2; S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.; Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 (c. 28, SIF 46:1), Pt. I (ss. 1 - 14); S.I. 1991/2633, art.4

Marginal Citations

M2 1968 c. 41(46:1).

Valid from 30/01/2001

[F27 22A Traffic regulation on certain roads for purpose of conserving natural beauty. E+W+S

(1) This section applies to roads other than—

(a) roads to which section 22 of this Act applies,

(b) special roads, or

(c) any road which is a trunk road, a classified road, a GLA road, a cycle track, a bridleway or a footpath, as those expressions are defined by section 329 of the M3 Highways Act 1980.

(2) This Act shall have effect as respects roads to which this section applies as if, in relation to the making of provision with respect to vehicular traffic, the list of purposes for which a traffic regulation order under section 1 of this Act may be made, as set out in paragraphs (a) to (g) of subsection (1) of that section and referred to in section 6(1)(b) of this Act, included the purpose of conserving or enhancing the natural beauty of the area.

(3) In subsection (2) above the reference to conserving the natural beauty of an area shall be construed as including a reference to conserving its flora, fauna and geological and physiographical features.]

Textual Amendments

F27 S. 22A inserted (E.W.) (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 66(4), 103(2)

Marginal Citations

M3 1980 c. 66.

Prospective

[F28 22B Traffic regulation on long distance routes E+W+S

(1) This section applies where the Secretary of State thinks that, because of the use of a long distance route by vehicular traffic, members of the public cannot safely and conveniently—

(a) enjoy the amenities of any part of the route or of the area through which the route runs;

(b) take advantage of opportunities for recreation in any part of that area;

(c) study nature in any part of that area.

(2) The Secretary of State may make an order preventing the use of the route or a specified part of the route—

(a) by vehicular traffic, or

(b) by vehicular traffic of a specified kind.

(3) An order under this section may have effect only in relation to a long distance route which is, or in so far as it is, in England.

(4) An order under this section shall be treated for all purposes as if it were a traffic regulation order made by the Secretary of State in relation to a road for which he is the traffic authority (and, in particular, any provision of this Act about the making or effect of such an order shall apply).]

Textual Amendments

F28 S. 22B inserted (prosp.) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), ss. 108, 120

Valid from 16/11/2006

[F29 22BB Traffic regulation on byways etc. in National Parks in England and Wales E+W

(1) This section applies to a road—

(a) which is in a National Park in England or Wales,

(b) which is—

(i) shown in a definitive map and statement as a byway open to all traffic, a restricted byway, a bridleway or a footpath, or

(ii) a carriageway whose surface, or most of whose surface, does not consist of concrete, tarmacadam, coated roadstone or other prescribed material, and

(c) in respect of which no relevant order is in force.

(2) The National Park authority may—

(a) for a purpose mentioned in section 1(1)(a) to (g) or 22(2), by order make in respect of the road any such provision as is mentioned in section 2(1), (2) or (3) or 4(1);

(b) for the purpose of carrying out an experimental scheme of traffic control, by order make in respect of the road any such provision as is mentioned in section 2(1), (2) or (3) or 4(1);

(c) for a reason given in section 14(1)(a) or (b) or for a purpose mentioned in section 14(1)(c) or 22(2), by order make in respect of the road—

(i) any such provision as is mentioned in section 2(1), (2) or (3) or 4(1), or

(ii) any provision restricting the speed of vehicles.

(3) This Act has effect, subject to subsection (4) and any prescribed modifications, in relation to an order by a National Park authority under subsection (2)(a), (b) or (c) as it has effect in relation to an order by a local traffic authority under section 1, 9 or 14(1).

(4) Before making any order under subsection (2), the National Park authority must consult any authority which is a highway authority for the road.

Textual Amendments

F29 Ss. 22BB, 22BC inserted (E.W.) (16.11.2006 for W. and 1.10.2007 for E.) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), ss. 72, 107(4); S.I. 2006/2992, art. 2; S.I. 2007/2540, art. 2

Valid from 16/11/2006

22BC Section 22BB: supplementary E+W

(1) Expressions used in section 22BB(1)(b) that are defined for the purposes of Part 3 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 by section 66(1) of that Act have the same meaning as in that Part.

(2) In section 22BB(1)(c) “relevant order” means—

(a) a traffic regulation order,

(b) an experimental traffic order,

(c) an order under section 14(1),

(d) an order under section 22(4), or

(e) an order under section 22B,

but does not include an order made under section 22BB(2).

(3) In section 22BB “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made—

(a) in relation to England, by the Secretary of State;

(b) in relation to Wales, by the National Assembly for Wales.

(4) Any functions exercisable by the National Assembly for Wales by virtue of this section are to be treated for the purposes of section 44 of the Government of Wales Act 1998 (parliamentary procedures for subordinate legislation) as if made exercisable by the Assembly by an Order in Council under section 22 of that Act.]

Textual Amendments

F29 Ss. 22BB, 22BC inserted (E.W.) (16.11.2006 for W. and 1.10.2007 for E.) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), ss. 72, 107(4); S.I. 2006/2992, art. 2; S.I. 2007/2540, art. 2

Valid from 19/01/2005

[F30 22C Terrorism E+W+S

(1) An order may be made under section 1(1)(a) for the purpose of avoiding or reducing, or reducing the likelihood of, danger connected with terrorism (for which purpose the reference to persons or other traffic using the road shall be treated as including a reference to persons or property on or near the road).

(2) An order may be made under section 1(1)(b) for the purpose of preventing or reducing damage connected with terrorism.

(3) An order under section 6 made for a purpose mentioned in section 1(1)(a) or (b) may be made for that purpose as qualified by subsection (1) or (2) above.

(4) An order may be made under section 14(1)(b) for a purpose relating to danger or damage connected with terrorism.

(5) A notice may be issued under section 14(2)(b) for a purpose relating to danger or damage connected with terrorism.

(6) In this section “terrorism” has the meaning given by section 1 of the Terrorism Act 2000 (c. 11).

(7) In Scotland an order made, or notice issued, by virtue of this section is to be made or issued not by the traffic authority, if the traffic authority is the Scottish Ministers, but by the Secretary of State.

(8) In Wales an order made, or notice issued, by virtue of this section may be made or issued only with the consent of the Secretary of State if the traffic authority is the National Assembly for Wales.]

Textual Amendments

F30 Ss. 22C, 22D inserted (19.1.2005) by Civil Contingencies Act 2004 (c. 36), ss. 32(1), 34, Sch. 2 Pt. 3 para. 16(2); S.I. 2004/3281, art. 2(3)(4)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C16 S. 22C(1)(2)(4)(5): transfer of functions (23.3.2005) by The Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/849), art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions and savings in art. 6)

Valid from 19/01/2005

[F30 22D Section 22C: supplemental E+W+S

(1) An order may be made by virtue of section 22C only on the recommendation of the chief officer of police for the area to which the order relates.

(2) The following shall not apply in relation to an order made by virtue of section 22C—

(a) section 3,

(b) section 6(5),

(c) the words in section 14(4) from “but” to the end,

(d) section 121B, and

(e) paragraph 13(1)(a) of Schedule 9.

(3) Sections 92 and 94 shall apply in relation to an order under section 14 made by virtue of section 22C as they apply in relation to an order under section 1 or 6.

(4) An order made by virtue of section 22C, or an authorisation or requirement by virtue of subsection (3) above, may authorise the undertaking of works for the purpose of, or for a purpose ancillary to, another provision of the order, authorisation or requirement.

(5) An order made by virtue of section 22C may—

(a) enable a constable to direct that a provision of the order shall (to such extent as the constable may specify) be commenced, suspended or revived;

(b) confer a discretion on a constable;

(c) make provision conferring a power on a constable in relation to the placing of structures or signs (which may, in particular, apply a provision of this Act with or without modifications).]

Textual Amendments

F30 Ss. 22C, 22D inserted (19.1.2005) by Civil Contingencies Act 2004 (c. 36), ss. 32(1), 34, Sch. 2 Pt. 3 para. 16(2); S.I. 2004/3281, art. 2(3)(4)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C17 S. 22D(3): transfer of functions (23.3.2005) by The Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/849), art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions and savings in art. 6)

C18 S. 22D(4): transfer of functions (23.3.2005) by The Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/849), art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions and savings in art. 6)

C19 S. 22D(5): transfer of functions (23.3.2005) by The Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/849), art. 2, Sch. (with transitional provisions and savings in art. 6)