The Road Traffic Regulation (Northern Ireland) Order 1997

Traffic regulation orders

4.—(1) The Department may by order (a “traffic regulation order”) make provision in respect of any public road for all or any of the following purposes—

(a) for avoiding danger to persons or other traffic using that or any other road or for preventing the likelihood of any such danger arising;

(b) for preventing damage to the road or to any building on or near the road;

(c) for facilitating the movement of traffic (including pedestrians) on that road or any other road;

(d) for preventing the use of the road by vehicular traffic of a kind which, or its use by vehicular traffic in a manner which, is unsuitable having regard to the existing character of the road or adjoining property;

(e) for preserving or improving the amenities of the area through which the road runs; or

(f) for conserving or enhancing the natural beauty and amenity of the countryside (including its flora, fauna and geological and physiographical features) or for affording better opportunities for the public to enjoy the amenities of the countryside, or recreation or the study of nature in the countryside.

(2) A traffic regulation order may make any provision prohibiting, restricting or regulating the use of a public road by traffic (including pedestrians)—

(a) either generally or subject to such exceptions as may be specified in the order or determined in a manner provided for by it; and

(b) subject to such exceptions as may be so specified or determined, either at all times or at times, on days or during periods so specified.

(3) The provision that may be made by a traffic regulation order includes any provision—

(a) requiring vehicles to proceed in a specified direction or prohibiting their so proceeding;

(b) specifying the part of the public road to be used by vehicles proceeding in a specified direction;

(c) prohibiting or restricting the waiting of vehicles in any public road or in any area or the loading or unloading of vehicles;

(d) prohibiting the use of public roads by through traffic; or

(e) prohibiting or restricting overtaking.

(4) A traffic regulation order may make provision for identifying any part of any public road to which, or any time at which or any period during which, any provision contained in the order is, for the time being to apply by means of a traffic sign of a type or character specified in the order; and for the purposes of any such order any such traffic sign placed on or near a road shall be deemed to be lawfully in place unless the contrary is proved.

(5) Any person who contravenes a traffic regulation order is guilty of an offence.

(6) Schedule 1 (which makes further provision in relation to traffic regulation orders) shall have effect.