How the TRO will be operated to curb the problem

Should the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) be implemented by the council, parking on verges and pavements will be prohibited in Peterborough. However, according to the order the city council will only ‘activate’ the order (enforce it) in a certain area if:

There is evidence it is desired by a sufficient number of affected residents

If a request is received from the emergency services to ban verge and pavement parking as it is hindering their access or dangerously obstructing the view from a junction

If the location is being used to park vehicles for sale, for advertising purposes or for another “nuisance,” and that there are no residents likely to be affected

Following a request from the local highways inspector where the verge or pavement is being damaged so much that it represents a health and safety concern and/or will lead to a significant cost for repairs. For local residents to have their road chosen as a place where the order should be enforced, they have to either start a petition or individually write to the council. If the council then decides to go to the next stage, after initial conversations with ward councillors, it will hold an informal consultation with residents of the street/area that have asked for the scheme, and possibly residents of the surrounding area as well. The council will only activate its TRO if it receives a response rate of 50 per cent or above of properties affected, of which 70 per cent of those are in favour of the ban. However, this has been described as too stringent by councillors who have recommended that these targets be scrapped. Yet even if those criteria are met, the final decision on whether to push ahead with the ban in that area will be up to the council. If the council does plough ahead, signage will be put up in the affected area, and after a two week warning period any vehicles found to be parked on verges or the pavement could be hit with a penalty charge notice.