Digital Traffic Regulation Orders: Digging into D-TRO with a Causeway one.network expert

As 2025 approaches and the Department for Transport (DfT) progresses the Digital Traffic Regulation Order (D-TRO) initiative, we’re hearing plenty of questions from our local authority users and customers about what to expect and how to prepare. To help provide clarity, we sat down with Causeway’s Product Manager and D-TRO expert, Eliza Shaw, who sheds light on D-TRO compliance, the pivotal role of digital solutions in this transition, and how Causeway is working to make this shift as smooth and effective as possible for authorities nationwide. 

Eliza, to kick things off, can you explain what D-TRO is and why it’s significant? 

Eliza: “Absolutely. D-TRO, or Digital Traffic Regulation Orders, is an initiative launched by the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) to digitise all traditional Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTROs).  

While the legal orders can still be issued through conventional methods, this initiative requires that all orders also be created digitally and stored in a centralised repository. The goal is to streamline the management of traffic information, enhance accessibility, improve enforcement, and facilitate data sharing between authorities and the public. Additionally, it will support the transition to Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs).”  

When can we expect the D-TRO initiative to go live? 

Eliza: “Although there have been some delays, we’re still expecting full launch around mid-2025. Right now, the project is in its private beta phase, with the DfT working alongside various highway authorities and software providers like Causeway to define data requirements and fine-tune the process. The public beta is set to begin in December 2024, allowing for broader testing at scale.” 

What data will be required as part of the D-TRO initiative?

Eliza: "As part of the private beta, we are currently working with the DfT and a selection of highway authorities to decide and define on the data requirements for D-TRO. There is a DfT GitHub page dedicated to D-TRO where you can find the ongoing efforts to define the data requirements."

For highway authorities wondering about compliance, what’s the timeline and enforcement approach for D-TRO? 

Eliza: “The D-TRO initiative will become mandatory in 2025, requiring all TROs and TTROs to be digitally created and stored in the DfT’s central repository. While the specific penalty structure for non-compliance is still under review, authorities can expect enforcement through fines, warnings, or even legal actions for non-compliance. We’d strongly advise highway authorities to start preparing now to ensure a seamless transition.” 

Does that mean authorities should take action now rather than waiting until 2025? 

Eliza: “Exactly. While the final launch is still a bit away, getting ahead of the curve by using D-TRO-compliant software will save time and hassle down the line. With Causeway’s solutions, for instance, you’ll be fully prepared when the compliance requirements go into effect.” 

Speaking of software, what technology do authorities need to ensure they’re D-TRO compliant? 

Eliza: “Authorities will need a solution that lets them create and sync digital TROs and TTROs with the DfT’s repository. At Causeway, we have collaborated with the DfT to ensure our solutions allow you to do this.  

If you already subscribe to the Causeway one.network Essentials package and use our platform to create and process your TTROs, you will automatically be D-TRO compliant in line with the launch of D-TRO regulations in 2025. 

Since Causeway has acquired Buchanan, you will now also be able to use Buchanan’s ParkMap to digitise your permanent TROs in accordance with D-TRO regulations.”  

Some might wonder why they can’t just send over documents to the DfT when the regulation hits. Why is a digital platform essential? 

Eliza: “Great question. The DfT is not requiring or accepting TTRO legal documents into the repository. Instead, they are looking for specific digtised information about the TROs and TTROs themselves. 

Causeway now provides the UK’s leading platforms for creating and publishing both TRO and TTROs—Causeway one.network and Buchanan’s ParkMap. As an integral partner in the DfT's D-TRO project from the start, we’re uniquely positioned to provide ready-to-use solutions for creating and seamlessly syncing your D-TROs, ensuring full compliance and ease in this digital transition.” 

You mentioned TROs. Does the acquisition of Buchanan mean that Causeway can now provide support for Permanent Traffic Regulation orders also? 

Eliza: “Yes! The acquisition of Buchanan means that Causeway can now offer support for both TTROs and TROs. Highway authorities can use Buchanan’s ParkMap to ensure compliance with D-TRO regulations. And of course, we’ll be exploring deeper integration between Causeway one.network and Buchanan’s ParkMap products in the future.” 

Will Causeway one.network support the digitalisation of Temporary Traffic Regulation Notices (TTRNs) too? 

Eliza: “Yes, it will but we’ll refer to TTRNs as “Emergency TTROs”. The process for managing them on Causeway one.network will largely be the same as for Planned TTROs.” 

Let’s talk updates. What new improvements can users expect on the Causeway one.network platform for D-TRO compliance? 

Eliza: “As I said, we’ve been working closely with the DfT since the alpha stage to understand what changes we need to make to our Traffic Management solution so that it complies with D-TRO requirements.  

We’ll also soon launch our new and improved Plan Share solution which offers an end-to-end service for managing TTRO applications both digitally and geospatially. It will allow highway authorities to view all internal and external TTRO applications in dynamic list and map views, and track relationships between permits, traffic management plans and TTROs.  

Plan Share will also allow highway authorities to communicate directly with TTRO applicants through an integrated chat feature and enable the creation of both mandatory and optional TTRO document templates.  

I’m particularly excited about the TTRO Portal we’re developing which can be embedded into highway authority websites, making it easy for the public and works promoters to submit TTROs in a fully D-TRO compliant way.  

 I could go on! But, if anyone is keen to learn more, there’s more details on our website – or of course, they can get in touch with us directly.” 

Exciting stuff! How complex will it be for authorities to ensure compliance with TTROs through Causeway one.network? 

Eliza: “It’s simple. For our Essentials customers, achieving compliance will require little to no change – just keep using Causeway one.network as you already do for creating, plotting and publishing TTROs. There may be a few small additional steps, but the overall process will remain familiar, fast and efficient.  

And for unique use cases, such as Blanket TTROs, we’ll provide support to ensure every authority meets compliance requirements smoothly. 

Many of our customers have already seen significant time savings. For example, Flintshire Council has reported saving 25 working days annually, with each TTRO taking only 25 minutes to process. Similarly, Wiltshire Council has achieved a saving of 97 working days each year and Cambridgeshire County Council, 87 working days annually!” 

Will there be configuration options available in Causeway one.network to tailor to different TTRO processes? 

Eliza: “Causeway one.network is built to streamline digital TTRO management workflows, and as I just mentioned it’s already unlocking great efficiencies for our customers. However, we will offer some flexibility in how documentation for TTRO applications is managed inside the platform, so if there are specific requirements your authority needs, please get in touch.” 

So, when will Causeway one.network officially be ready to support D-TRO compliance? 

Eliza: “Causeway one.network will be fully prepared to assist highway authorities with D-TRO compliance in 2025, well in advance of official regulatory enforcement.” 

And what about payment management for TTROs? Will that be available?

Eliza: “Not right now, but we’re planning to introduce a new feature that will allow highway authorities to track payment statuses for TTROs on Causeway one.network in the near future.” 

We know that a subscription to the Causeway one.network Essentials package is necessary for D-TRO compliance with TTROs. Can you explain why that is? 

Eliza: “We’ve designed our Essentials package to simplify compliance and offer enhanced value by bringing together several key modules into one streamlined entry-level package. This Essentials package includes our Map, Historical Map, and Traffic Management solutions, giving users comprehensive access to tools that reduce complexity and boost efficiency. Upgrading to the Essentials package is the quickest and easiest way to access historical data and ensure full compliance with the DfT’s D-TRO regulations. By consolidating these features, we’re making it easier for all users to achieve compliance without needing multiple, separate modules.” 

Final question – how can authorities stay up-to-date with news about D-TRO and Causeway’s plans for Causeway one.network and Buchanan’s ParkMap? 

Eliza: “For the latest news from the DfT, you can watch the D-TRO webinar series on YouTube. There's also a mailing list that you can sign up for to be notified about future webinars by emailing dtro@dft.gov.uk.  

As for our plans at Causeway, I’d recommend subscribing to our highway authority newsletter, following us on Linkedin and regularly checking the Causeway website.  

Of course, when significant product updates or communications arise, we’ll notify all existing customers via email and publish the information on our website.” 

In wrapping up, it’s clear that the D-TRO initiative marks a major step forward in digital traffic management, and Causeway is dedicated to helping authorities navigate this shift with ease and confidence. With 2025 around the corner, we’re committed to supporting our customers every step of the way. For any additional questions or to explore how our solutions can support your needs, contact us via our website.