Local Government Act 1985

6 (1) For the purpose of ensuring that the exercise by a council in Greater London or a metropolitan county of the traffic powers specified below in relation to councils of its class does not have an adverse effect on traffic or any class of traffic or parking places or any class of parking place in any part of Greater London or, as the case may be, that county, other than the area of that council, the Secretary of State may issue guidance as to the manner in which, in relation to roads other than trunk roads—

(a) the councils of London boroughs should exercise their powers to make, vary or revoke orders under or by virtue of sections 6, 9. 45, 46, 49(2) and (4). 83(2) and 84 of the 1984 Act; and

(b) the councils of metropolitan districts should exercise their powers to make, vary or revoke orders under or by virtue of sections 1, 9, 19, 32, 35, 37. 38, 45, 46. 49(2) and (4). 53, 83(2) and 84 of that Act.

(2) Before issuing any such guidance the Secretary of State shall consult—

(a) the chief officers of police for the areas to which the guidance relates; and

(b) any association of London borough councils or district councils which the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(3) The council of a London borough shall, before exercising any power specified in sub-paragraph (1)(a) above, and the council of a metropolitan district shall, before exercising any power specified in sub-paragraph (1)(b) above—

(a) have regard to any guidance issued to it under this paragraph ;

(b) have regard to any direct effect which the proposed exercise would have on traffic or any class of traffic—

(i) on a trunk road ; or

(ii) on any other road in the area of another local authority;

(c) if the proposed exercise would have such an effect, consult the Secretary of State in the case of a trunk road, or the other local authority in the case of any other road; and

(d) comply with procedures prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(4) Where the council of a London borough or metropolitan district takes any action which, in the opinion of the Secretary of State-

(a) is contrary to any guidance issued to the council under this paragraph ; and

(b) has or is likely to have an adverse effect on traffic or any class of traffic or parking places or any class of parking place in any part of Greater London or, as the case may be, that county, other than the area of that council,

the Secretary of State may, after consulting the council, direct it to take such steps within a period specified by him as may be necessary to conform with that guidance.

(5) If, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, a council fails to comply with a direction under sub-paragraph (4) above, he may exercise any of its powers for the purpose of giving effect to the direction; and any expenses reasonably incurred by him in doing so shall be recoverable by him from the council summarily as a civil debt.

(6) Where, in the opinion of the Secretary of State—

(a) the council of a London borough or metropolitan district fails to act in accordance with any guidance issued to it under this paragraph ; and

(b) that failure has or is likely to have such an adverse effect as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (4)(b) above,

the Secretary of State, after consulting the council, may exercise any of its powers for the purpose of conforming with that guidance; and any expenses reasonably incurred by him in doing so (including any expenses reasonably incurred in maintaining any traffic signs placed, or in continuing or maintaining any works commenced, by virtue of this sub-paragraph) shall be recoverable by him from the council summarily as a civil debt.