From GPG

Emergency Closures and Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders

Occasionally it can be necessary for public safety to close a right of way for emergency works for example, bridge damaged by floods, land slips etc. Internal procedures for setting in place a temporary traffic regulation order will vary but no matter what, it is advisable that the officer concerned has some record of why the order was made, whether that is solely his decision or requires a process through other departments such as legal services. An example memorandum from Monmouthshire County Council is part of its internal process and would be appropriate in a range of authorities.

The appropriate legislation is Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984s14(2). In case of danger to the public or severe damage to the road the provision can last 21 days but in cases not involving risk or danger five days. After the appropriate time an advertised Temporary Traffic regulation order (example) must be put in place until remedial works are completed. These can last for up to 6 months with a further extension of up to 6 months if new notices are made. Extensions beyond this period require the approval of the appropriate Secretary of State (England) or Welsh Assembly (Wales).

The closure only applies while the official notices are posted on the right of way in a conspicuous position. Failure to obey the notices is an offence under RTA84s16 and absence of notices is therefore a lawful defence. Good practice is to inspect every 7-10 days and record the existence of notices and the replacement of damaged/weathered or missing ones. The record should be signed and dated by the inspecting officer and kept on file. In terms of management the officer time taken to check and replace notices, especially surrounding major schemes, can be a significant part of the officer workload and should be planned for.

It is helpful to ensure users are informed of the problem at a suitable point allowing then to make alternative plans without undue inconvenience and backtracking. This notice will usually include a plan with the alternative route. Issues such as finding legal and safe alternatives for all relevant user groups and how much, if any, unclassified county road or other more major highway should be allowed in the alternative route may be a case by case decision or subject to local policy guidance.

Secondary Notices

Although the only necessary notices are the legal ones it is difficult to read small print outdoors in inclement weather (especially when the notice has become lodged 30cm from the ground). It is useful to fix a large print notice at a convenient height summarising the need for closure, how long it will be in force and a contact for further information. If possible notices should be given a positive slant (e.g. 'The improved route will be re-opening...') .

Although the notices can be based on a standard template they should contain enough site/route specific information to be identified with a particular closure avoiding the possibility surreptitious transfer of a notice to another site.

Design consideration may depend on locally approved logos and typefaces, the need for multi-lingual notices and other issues to be decided locally. Some advice is given on the Consultation page under Site Notices and the local museum or library service may be able to advise on typeface choice and layout if the officer works in a small authority with no central design guidance.