» View the current Public Notices for road, traffic or parking schemes

Traffic Management Orders (TMOs) are documents which provide the legal backing for the enforcement of road, traffic or parking schemes under the relevant national legislation.

There are three different types of TMOs:

Permanent Orders

Permanent orders give rise to the majority of signs and lines that are placed on streets. Examples of these are:

  • Single/double yellow lines
  • Parking spaces
  • Banned turns
  • One-ways
  • Speed limits

Please note, not all on street restrictions require an order, box junctions are one example.

Experimental Orders

Experimental orders are used to enable the Council to monitor the effect and vary as necessary. The duration of an experimental order lasts no more than eighteen months before they are either abandoned, amended or made permanent.

Temporary Orders

Temporary orders are made following a requirement to temporarily prohibit, restrict or suspend the use of a road as a result of highway/utility works, street cleansing or situations that are likely to be a danger to the public (eg. falling debris). Orders are for a maximum period of eighteen months or six months if affecting a footway that is separate from a main highway.

The Council can immediately issue a temporary notice to prohibit, restrict or suspend the use of a road following an emergency (eg. burst water main).

TMO Procedures

By law, the Council are required to publish notices in a local newspaper which advertise the proposal and effects of TMOs. In some cases the notices are published in the London Gazette. See also Public Notices for road, traffic or parking schemes.

If the Council feels additional publicity is needed for a TMO they can choose to erect notices on lamp columns in the street to which any TMO proposal relates.

In the case of permanent and experimental orders the Council must consult statutory bodies such as the Police, Ambulance, Fire Brigade, Bus Operators, Road Haulage Association and Freight Transport Association. Also, other groups such as the Cyclist and/or Pedestrian Associations will be contacted if any TMOs affect them.

A temporary order does not require any consultation but the emergency services must be notified of its effect.

How to object to a TMO

The way in which you can object to a proposed TMO is always outlined in the Public Notice and a time period is usually given when letters of objections should be received by. The Council are legally obliged to consider every letter that is sent, replies to which must be made.

After the making of a TMO, if the public feel the Council have not followed the correct procedures in making the order they can appeal to the High Court within six weeks of the TMO being made.

Road Humps and Pedestrian Crossings

TMOs are not required for road humps or pedestrian crossings but similar procedures with regards to Public Notices and objections apply.

Contact

Public Realm
Environment and Regeneration
Low Hall
Argall Avenue
London E10 7AS

tel 020 8496 3000
email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk