The Quiet Lanes and Home Zones (England) Regulations 2006

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations provide for the making, variation and revocation of designations of roads as quiet lanes or home zones under section 268 of the Transport Act 2000 and of use orders and speed orders in respect of those roads.

They require the local traffic authority to give persons in the area of the relevant road an opportunity to make representations before a proposal for designation is developed. At least one public meeting must be held (regulation 3).

They require an authority, before designating a road, to consult prescribed persons, to publish details of the designation proposals and to consider objections (regulations 4 to 7).

They provide for the making of use orders and speed orders in respect of designated roads. A use order permits the road to be used, for as long as may be specified, for a purpose which is communal, social, cultural, spiritual, educational, entertainment or recreational (regulation 8). A speed order describes in general terms the measures to be taken to reduce the speed of motor vehicles or cycles below the speed specified in the order (regulation 9).

The Regulations require an authority, before making such an order, to consult prescribed persons, to publish details of the order proposals and to consider objections (regulations 10 to 13).

They permit the modification of proposed designations or orders, subject to persons affected by substantial changes being given an opportunity to object (regulation 14).

They require notices to be given by an authority after it has made a designation or use or speed order (regulation 15) and provide for the variation or revocation of a designation or order subject to similar procedures as those for designation or making an order (regulation 16).

A map showing a designation is to be kept by the authority (regulation 17).

Traffic signs informing road users of the designation are to be placed appropriately (regulation 18).

A Regulatory Impact Assessment has been produced and a copy placed in the library of both Houses of Parliament. Copies may be obtained from the Department for Transport, Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DR. Alternatively copies can be obtained from the Department’s website which is at www.dft.gov.uk.