Temporary traffic regulation orders

Temporary traffic regulation orders have the same effect as a traffic regulation order but with a limited period of operation. The scope of the orders can be anything from temporary road closures to temporary parking restrictions depending on the needs and circumstances of each case. The most common order requested and granted is for road closures; these are often the most effective way of protecting the highway and highway users from danger or harm during excavation or activities on the road network. Consideration is always given to alternative routes for vehicles and wherever possible diversion signs will be place on site to minimise disruption to motorists.

Sometimes works on the highway (including building construction work), events or street cleansing require a road to be closed temporarily to general traffic. Temporary road closures are an effective, self-enforcing way of stopping all through traffic movements. Emergency road closures are also possible when there is an immediate danger to the public, such as road subsidence or dangerous buildings. If a barrier is used to close a road, there is often an emergency access gate for emergency services.

As there is a legal and consultative process that needs to be undertaken, at least six weeks notice is required - for some closures this period may be up to three months in order to publicise a diversion route properly.

All costs involved for the closure must be met by the applicant. We also require contractors to inform road users of any impending disruption by using road signs, adverts and consultation where necessary. These include information of diversion routes and the predicted length of any road works which may affect your journey.

To apply for a temporary traffic regulation order, please complete the form in the documents table below and return it to the Traffic Regulation Team with the appropriate payment for the road closure type.

An example of a temporary traffic regulation order signing schedule can be found below:

Temporary traffic regulation order (road closure) [261KB]

Temporary traffic regulation order signing schedule [1.4MB]

Portable traffic signal application [24.5KB]

Interactive maps and information on temporary road closures being carried out in Plymouth are available on the Plymgo website.

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