Service Charter - Road and Footpath Maintenance

Parking on Grass Verges

Grass verges improve the look of residential and commercial areas, but parking on them can cause damage, obstruction and hazards.

What the council does when obstruction or damage is reported:

• Enforces any existing parking restrictions (yellow lines apply to verges and footways as well as roads).
• Reports obstructions to Greater Manchester Police (GM Police) – only the police can issue tickets for obstruction.
• Obstructions can be reported directly to GM Police by calling 101.
• Inspects damaged areas and, where possible, identifies vehicle owners to recover repair costs.
• May restrict access to verges (e.g.installing bollards) and seek cost recovery from those responsible.

Traffic Schemes – Accident Reduction

The council is committed to making Tameside’s roads safer for everyone.  Vision Zero aims to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on our roads while promoting safe, healthy and fair travel for all.

To achieve this, the council are working with partners across Greater Manchester on a programme of road safety improvements.  Several schemes are already underway and more will follow as funding becomes available.

Safety Cameras in Tameside

To help make our roads safer, enforcement cameras are used across Tameside to monitor speeding and traffic light offences. These cameras are placed at locations with a history of serious accidents, aiming to reduce road casualties in the future.

For more details about how safety cameras work and where they are located, visit: Safety cameras | Bee Network | Powered by TfGM

Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO’s)

TRO’s are legal restrictions used to manage parking, speed, and traffic movement. Before introducing, changing, or removing a TRO, the council must follow a legal process.  This includes advertising proposals for a minimum of 21 days during which the public can submit comments or objections.

If objections cannot be resolved, the matter is referred to a council panel for a decision.

• The council enforces some TRO’s (for example parking and bus lanes).
• Police enforce most moving traffic offences, such as speeding or ignoring “No Entry” signs.

Requests for new TRO’s must be made in writing using the council’s contact details, after reviewing the guidance on different types of TRO’s.

Parking Restrictions in Tameside

Parking restrictions help manage traffic flow and improve road safety.  These can include yellow lines, loading restrictions, limited waiting bays and school keep-clear zones.  Restrictions may apply at certain times or all day, and are shown by signs and road markings.

They are most effective in busy areas like town centres, where high traffic and parking demand can cause congestion and safety issues.  While the council considers all requests for restrictions in residential areas, these are rarely effective where car ownership exceeds available space.

The council will act if parking causes road safety concerns or blocks the free movement of traffic

Controlled Parking Zones

Controlled Parking Zones restrict parking in a defined area to permit holders only and can apply to residential or business areas.  They are introduced through a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) and are often used in residential areas near amenities that attract large numbers of visitors, helping prevent disruption for residents.

The council has a Controlled Parking Zone policy outlining how these zones are introduced and the costs involved.  Communities requesting a Controlled Parking Zone must show strong local support and, due to limited council funding, will usually need to cover the costs themselves. 

Traffic Movement Restrictions

Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) can also be used to control how vehicles move through certain areas. Examples include prohibited turns, one-way systems, no-entry zones, pedestrianised areas and dedicated bus or cycle lanes.  These measures are usually introduced to solve specific problems or to create safer, more efficient use of road space — often in town centres.

Speed Limits in Tameside

The council can set speed limits on roads where it is the Highway Authority.  Most roads have a 30mph limit, indicated by street lighting at regular intervals.  Higher limits (40mph or more) are shown by road signs.

Many residential areas, especially near schools, are part of 20mph zones. These zones are signed only at entry and exit points, with no repeat signs inside.  Drivers must maintain 20mph until they leave the zone.  These areas often include traffic calming measures to help keep speeds low.

Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) Currently Advertised

Details of all proposed TRO’s currently open for consultation are available online via the links provided.

If you have questions about any proposal, please contact the relevant officer listed on the first notice.

To make a formal comment or objection, follow the instructions on the first notice and include:

• Your full name and contact details
• Your reasons for objecting (if applicable)

White ‘H’ Road Markings

A White ‘H’ marking shows that a driveway or access point should be kept clear of parked vehicles. These markings are helpful in areas where visitors may unintentionally block driveways.

Please note:

• They are not legally enforceable – the council cannot take action if someone parks over the marking.
• Obstructive parking is a police matter, whether or not the marking is present.

The council can install an ‘H’ marking for £280, payable by the resident.  Before installation, you must have an approved dropped kerb and hard standing for your vehicle.

Requests must be made in writing, including your name, address, and any relevant details (e.g., Blue Badge holder). The council may refuse or remove markings if they are unsuitable or cause community tensions.

You can also request online via the council’s website.

Temporary Road Closures in Tameside

Sometimes roads need to be closed temporarily so essential work can be carried out.  We aim to avoid full closures where possible, but safety and practicality may require it.

• Any company needing a full or partial road closure must apply for a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO).
• For urgent closures, call 0161 342 5067 and ask for Streetworks.
• Applications for planned closures must be submitted 6 weeks before work starts using the Temporary Works application form.
• Costs and further details are available in the Guidance Notes on the council website.

To apply for a closure, you must complete and return an Application for Temporary Works  6 weeks before you want to start work.

Details of costs and more information can be found in the Guidance Notes 

Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTRO’s) – Key Guidance

Before applying for a TTRO, consider if a full road closure is absolutely necessary. Alternatives such as temporary traffic signals or different construction methods should be explored first. 

Application Requirements

• Provide a clear location and extent of the closure with: 
  • A scale plan showing the closure area.
  • A diversion route plan with correct signage (Chapter 8 standards).
• State if the closure affects: 
  • Vehicles only
  • Vehicles and pedestrians
  • Pedestrians only
• Include a brief description of the works and contact Streetworks on 0161 342 5067 if excavating in the highway.
• Start date must be at least 6 weeks from submission; duration should be in days / weeks and include specific hours if relevant.

Complete all contact details, sign the form, and send to streetworks@tameside.gov.uk 

• Consultation: you must demonstrate consultation with affected properties/businesses and show alternative arrangements have been made.
• Costs:
  -           Up to 5 days: Minimum £633
  -           5 days to 18 months: Minimum £1,826 (reviewed annually)

If approved, the council will send you a copy of the public notice detailing the roads and time period covered by the TTRO.

Advisory Parking Bays

The council can provide an Advisory Parking Bay for residents who hold a Blue Badge. These bays are marked with white dashed lines (no wording or disabled symbol) and are not legally enforceable. They rely on courtesy from neighbours to keep the space clear.

Key points:

• The council will consult nearby residents before approving a bay. If objections are received, the bay cannot be installed.
• If approved, the cost is £155, payable before installation
• Installation can take up to 12 weeks after payment.
• The council may refuse or remove bays if they cause community tensions or are ineffective.

To apply, email highwayenquiries@tameside.gov.uk with your details or apply online via the council website.

Traffic Calming in Tameside

Traffic calming uses physical measures to reduce vehicle speed and/or traffic volume. Common features include:

• Speed humps, cushions, and tables
• Chicanes and road narrowing
• Pedestrian islands
• Coloured or textured road surfaces

The council identifies locations for traffic calming using traffic surveys and accident data, considering road type and usage.  These measures are not suitable for main roads due to high traffic volumes and use by HGVs, buses and emergency vehicles.

Traffic calming is often part of 20mph zone schemes, but funding for new schemes is very limited.  Features are designed to Department for Transport standards to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Reporting Issues:

• If you believe a traffic calming feature is faulty, please report it to the council.
• If you suspect vibration from a feature is damaging your property, contact your insurance company. They will arrange testing and liaise with the council if necessary.