Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984

The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (c. 27) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which provided powers to regulate or restrict traffic on roads in Great Britain, in the interest of safety. It superseded some earlier legislation, including the majority of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1967. The Act is split into 10 parts covering 147 sections, it also includes 14 schedules.

Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984

Act of Parliament
Parliament of the United Kingdom
Long title	An Act to consolidate the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1967 and certain related enactments, with amendments to give effect to recommendations of the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission.
Citation	1984 c. 27
Territorial extent	Great Britain
Dates
Royal assent	26 June 1984
Other legislation
Amends	Road Traffic Regulation Act 1967
Amended by	Road Traffic Regulation (Parking) Act 1986 New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 Road Traffic (Temporary Restrictions) Act 1991 Road Traffic Regulation (Special Events) Act 1994 Infrastructure Act 2015
Status: Amended
Text of statute as originally enacted
Text of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk.

The act does not apply in Northern Ireland,^[1] where the Road Traffic Regulation (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 (SI 1997/276)^[2] makes similar provision.

Part 1: General provisions for traffic regulation

A Traffic Management Order made under the RTRA 1984.

Part 1 includes sections 1 to 13 of the Act. The legislation contained in these sections covers:

• Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO),^[3] known as Traffic Management Orders (TMO) in Greater London. These are used to make temporary, experimental or permanent restrictions on the use of a section of highway.^[4]
• Regulations outside Greater London
• Regulations in Greater London
• Experimental traffic schemes - these can be introduced for up to 18 months, to allow an authority to assess the impacts of a scheme such as traffic diversions.^[5]

Part 3: Crossings and playgrounds

A school crossing patrol on the Isle of Wight.

Authorities can designate highways as 'Play Streets'^[6] under the Act.

Part 3 includes sections 23 to 31 of the Act. The legislation contained in these sections covers:

• Pedestrian crossings
• School crossings
• Street playgrounds

Part 4: Parking places

In Burnley, an example of off-street parking controlled by a local authority.

On-street parking controls in Gillingham

Part 4 includes sections 32 to 63 of the Act. The legislation contained in these sections covers:

• Provision of off-street parking and parking on roads without payment
• Control of off-street parking
• Parking on highways for payment^[7]
• Provision of parking places by parish or community councils
• Special parking provisions

Part 5: Traffic signs

Road markings are covered by the Traffic Signs provisions in the Act.

Within the Act, "traffic signs" has a broad meaning including fixed signs, portable signs and road markings. Part 5 includes sections 64 to 80 of the Act. The legislation contained in these sections covers:

• General provisions
• Provisions as to Greater London
• Supplementary provision

Part 6: Speed limits

Under RTRA, the default speed limit is 30mph where street lights are 200 yards apart or closer.

Part 6 includes sections 81 to 91 of the Act. The legislation contained in these sections covers:

• Various powers relating to speed limits including:

Speed limits on restricted and non-restricted roads

Traffic signs indicating speed restrictions

Speeding offences

Approval of radar speed measuring devices

Speed limitations to certain types of vehicle (section 86)

Speed limit Exemptions for vehicles used for police, fire, ambulance, or National Crime Agency purposes (section 87)

Part 7: Bollards and other obstructions

Rising bollards can be used to exclude motor traffic at certain times.

Part 7 includes sections 92 to 94 of the Act. The legislation contained in these sections covers:

• Bollards and other obstructions

Part 8: Control and enforcement

A traffic warden enforcing parking restrictions in Camden, London.

Part 8 includes sections 95 to 111 of the Act. The legislation contained in these sections covers:

• Traffic wardens
• Penalties other than fixed penalties
• Removal or immobilisation of vehicles
• Enforcement of excess parking charges

Part 9: Further provisions as to enforcement

Part 9 includes sections 112 to 121 of the Act. The legislation contained in these sections covers:

• General provisions
• Special provisions relating to Scotland

Part 10: General and supplementary provisions

Part 10 includes sections 122 to 147 of the Act. The legislation contained in these sections covers:

• Various supplementary powers including:

Exercise of functions by local authorities

Boundary roads

Footpaths, bridleways and byways open to all traffic

Power to hold inquiries

Application of the Act to Crown roads

Application of the Act to the Isles of Scilly

Vehicles used for marine salvage

Hovercraft

Tramcars and trolley vehicles

Schedules

The Act contains 14 schedules.

See also

• Highways Act 1980
• Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions