Gloucestershire County Council in partnership with Gloucester City Council and Gloucester BID is taking decisive action to improve safety and accessibility in Gloucester’s historic gated streets by launching an experimental Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). This initiative aims to address longstanding concerns about unauthorised parking and through-traffic, particularly in the evening.
The experimental TRO will introduce new restrictions designed to protect pedestrians, enhance the local environment, and ensure that only authorised vehicles can access the gated streets during designated times.
In January 2026 GCC will consult with the community on enforcing the restriction with Automatic Numberplate Recognition Software (ANPR) as part of the council’s wider Moving Traffic Enforcement project, improving road safety, promoting bus services and active travel while reducing congestion and pollution. ANPR technology, enables the county council to monitor compliance and support fair, consistent enforcement.
Cllr Roger Whyborn, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport and Strategic Highways at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Gloucester City Council and Gloucester BID to bring about changes to accessing the gated streets. This is about promoting safety in the city centre and we hope that this experimental TRO will give us the opportunity to see how it works before we look at long term options.”
Cllr Rebecca Trimnell, Gloucester City Council, Hempsted and Westgate said: “We are many steps closer to finally tackling those individuals who feel it’s their right to just park on the gate streets in the evening and use them as a through road. I am delighted the cameras are being installed and we’ll see a going live date in the New Year, enforcement finally happening on the gate streets is a good thing for everyone including for the health and safety of pedestrians”.
What is an Experimental TRO?
An experimental TRO is a legal order made under Sections 9 and 10 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. It allows the council to introduce and monitor new traffic and parking restrictions for up to 18 months. During this period, the council will assess the impact of the changes and gather feedback from residents, businesses, and other stakeholders. Adjustments can be made within the first six months, and formal objections to making the order permanent can be submitted once the order is in force.
Why is this happening?
The gated streets in Gloucester have experienced persistent issues with unauthorised parking and traffic, undermining pedestrian safety and the character of the area. The experimental TRO and ANPR enforcement are part of a wider commitment to creating safer, more welcoming public spaces and supporting the needs of residents and businesses.
Next steps and public engagement
The experimental TRO will go live early in the New Year. Gloucestershire County Council encourages all affected residents and stakeholders to share their feedback during the experimental period. Details of the order, including how to provide feedback or lodge objections, will be available on the council’s website and through public notices.
