Causeway showcases D-TRO leadership with Local Authorities and DfT

Causeway Technologies and Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK) hosted a major event in Birmingham on 3 February, bringing together local authorities and senior officials from the Department for Transport (DfT) to discuss the progress of the Digital Traffic Regulation Orders (D-TRO) project. The event highlighted the advancements made since the D-TRO private beta launched in October 2024.

Causeway have been actively submitting D-TRO compliant permanent and temporary traffic regulation orders for 17 of the 32 participating highways authorities and providing D-TRO solutions to over 120 local authorities.

D-TRO move to public beta

During the event, the DfT confirmed that D-TRO would transition to a public beta phase after successfully passing a government service assessment. So far, over 5,000 Digital Traffic Orders have been processed through the system, demonstrating strong momentum.

Anthony Ferguson, Deputy Director of Traffic Technology at the DfT, described D-TRO as a "fundamental change to the way road rules are managed across the country." He emphasised D-TRO’s role in modernising transport infrastructure, improving regulatory efficiency, and enhancing digital accessibility.

Paul Chandler, Head of Traffic Management Digital Services at the DfT, outlined a four-stage roadmap for D-TRO adoption:

1. Testing new orders in the current beta
2. Introducing mandatory requirements
3. Expanding voluntary participation for archived orders
4. Requiring digitisation of all historic orders

Challenges in adoption

Despite the progress, challenges remain. A survey of local authorities attending the event revealed that only 27% felt on track to submit all new permanent and temporary TROs by summer 2025, while 47% described themselves as "actively evaluating processes." Alarmingly, 14% rated their progress as “poor.”

Causeway’s Eliza Shaw noted that many local authorities still manage TROs on paper, making it difficult to meet D-TRO's geospatial data requirements. In many cases, there remains a substantial gap between digital records and actual road networks.

Another significant challenge highlighted during the morning panel discussion was the fragmented management of TROs within local councils. Different teams handle different types of orders—such as parking restrictions, weight limits, and event-related closures—often without coordination. Some departments were unaware of each other’s digital transformation efforts, further complicating implementation.

The biggest barriers to adoption, according to surveyed authorities, were internal resources and capacity (69%) and budget constraints (61%).

Future benefits of D-TRO implementation

The final panel of the day explored how a fully digitised TRO system could revolutionise network management. By digitising curbside and moving restrictions, local authorities could eventually create a "digital twin" of the road network, enabling standardised traffic rules across jurisdictions.

Real-time updates would ensure temporary restrictions are instantly reflected, improving data accuracy and supporting safer autonomous vehicle operations.

A central, cloud-based repository for TRO data would also improve accessibility for authorities, businesses, and the public. Additionally, integrating D-TRO with transport systems—such as bus routes and roadworks—could enhance planning and network efficiency.

Policy considerations and regulatory developments

Sally Kendall from the DfT provided a policy update, emphasising that the ongoing consultation on the regulatory framework remains open until 21st March 2025, allowing stakeholders to contribute. The proposed regulations will mandate specific data requirements for new and amended TROs to ensure consistency in digital records.
Additionally, Kendall noted that the upcoming Devolution Bill could further decentralise transport-related decision-making, potentially shifting TRO approval authority from the Secretary of State to local transport authorities.

Speaking at the event, Max Sugarman, Chief Executive at ITS UK said: “This is a really exciting event coming at a pivotal time. 2025 is going to be the year of D-TRO and we’ve got a lot of local authorities and members in the room who are looking at what it means to them. Today’s event is about bringing the tools these people need to support them on the journey.”

Causeway’s investment in highways management

Causeway has made significant investments to enhance its capabilities in digital TROs and highways asset management. The recent acquisition of Buchanan Computing expands offerings, allowing Causeway to provide comprehensive D-TRO solutions to over 120 local authorities.

Notably, every highways authority in the private beta is using Causeway’s solutions for at least part of their operations, reinforcing the company’s role in the UK’s transport digitalisation efforts.

Causeway’s infrastructure director, Nick Smee concluded: “D-TRO is here and now - it’s not some way of in the future thing. Causeway is committed to providing innovative solutions at every stage of the process and seeing over a hundred people join us face-to-face at this event demonstrates how important the change is and the potential benefits. Everyone has left here today is a better understanding of the process and a roadmap to success.”

For more information on how Causeway one.network can assist in this digital transition, please get in touch.