Traffic Regulation Management
Managing Rights of Way in the National Park
We can make Traffic Regulation Orders for public footpaths, bridleways, byways, restricted byways and carriageways with a predominantly unsealed surface, within the National Park. Cumbria County Council can also make Orders, as the Highway Authority for the area.
What's the current list?
Check out our Rights of Way Temporary Closures page.
Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders and Notices
Temporary TROs and Notices are used to manage short-term closures. They enable works such as felling, bridge repairs and other maintenance work to be carried out.
What's the difference?
Temporary Closure Notices must come into effect without delay. Orders are for longer term, planned, activities.
Reasons for Closure
We can temporarily close a route:
- because works are being or are proposed on or near the road
- because of the likelihood of danger to the public, or of serious damage to the road, which is not attributable to such works
- for the purpose of litter clearing and cleaning under the Environment Protection Act 1990 (Litter Clearing and Cleaning)
- for 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.
How long can an Order last for?
- 6 months for footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways, cycle tracks or byways open to all traffic
- 18 months for any other case
How long can a Notice last for?
- 5 days if works are taking place, or are proposed to be, taking place on or near the road
- 21 days because of the likelihood of danger to the public, or of serious damage to the road, which is not attributable to such works
How to apply for a Temporary Closure Order or Notice
We need at least 8 weeks notice to process a Temporary Closure Order. Notices for 5 or 21 days can be processed immediately as we do not have to advertise them in the press.
Please contact either your local Ranger or a member of the Countryside Team on 01539 724555, as soon as you think you may need to close a path. There are standard charges for processing Closure Orders and Notices.
Other Traffic Regulation Orders
Permanent Traffic Regulation Orders
These can be made for any relevant road or part of road. Reasons can include:
- avoiding danger to people or other traffic
- preserving the character of a road
- preventing unsuitable use of a road
- for the purpose of conserving or enhancing the natural beauty of the area
Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders
These are made for the same reasons are Permanent TROs but for a limited period - usually twelve months. They can be changed during this time. They are often used before a decision is made to proceed with a permanent TRO or to consider different management options.
How to apply for Permanent and Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders
Please contact a member of the Countryside Team on 01539 724555 for further information.
More information
Orders can only be made if specific criteria are met. The grounds and procedures for TROs can be found in:
- Regulations and Commencement Order (opens in a new window)
- Defra guidance to National Park Authorities (PDF document opens in new window)
What government Acts are they made under?
National Park Authorities have powers to make Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) under section 22BB and 22BC of the Road Traffic Regulation Act (RTRA) 1984. These powers were introduced by Section 72 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERCA) 2006 and came into force on 1 October 2007.
