In the push to make our towns and cities more liveable, accessible, and sustainable, the humble Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) has become a critical tool for local authorities. Yet, the traditional process of consulting the public on these schemes—often involving printed notices on lampposts and complex legal documents—has long been a barrier to meaningful engagement.
Today, digital tools are changing the game. At AppyWay, we see first-hand how our Public Consultation module is being used not just to digitise the process, but to transform how councils connect with their communities. Moving beyond theory, let’s look at how some of our partners are using the platform to deliver real-world projects.
Cambridgeshire: Slashing Queries and Saving Time
Active public consultation in Cambridgeshire
For sprawling authorities like Cambridgeshire County Council, managing hundreds of TROs is a monumental task. By implementing a map-based consultation portal, they have made it radically simpler for residents to see exactly what is proposed for their street, from new waiting restrictions to entire residents’ parking schemes.
The impact has been practical and immediate. Residents can view proposals on an interactive map and leave feedback directly.
Haringey’s Data-Driven Drive for Secure Cycle Parking
Active public consultation in Haringey
As part of a London-wide initiative to encourage cycling, local authorities face the practical challenge of providing secure parking for residents. In the London Borough of Haringey, where over 200 bike hangars are already fully utilised, the council is taking a data-led approach to expanding its network, underpinned by a clear and transparent consultation process.
Following requests from residents and a detailed study to analyse demand across the borough, the council identified 53 new locations where the need for secure cycle storage was highest. This initiative is a key part of Haringey’s Transport Strategy, aiming to support a shift to active travel by giving cyclists a safe place to park their bikes, protected from both theft and the elements.
To gather residents’ thoughts on the proposed locations, Haringey uses the AppyWay consultation platform. For each new batch of proposed cycle hangars, the council launches a dedicated digital consultation.
Instead of just a list of street names, residents are directed to an interactive map where they can see the precise, proposed placement of each of the 53 new Cycle Hoop hangars.
Residents can lodge their comments, support, or objections directly through the online portal, ensuring every submission is officially recorded and reviewed as part of the statutory consultation.
Your Questions Answered - AppyWay’s Consultation Module
How does the platform actually make it easier for a resident to comment on a new scheme?
Instead of relying on printed notices and legal documents, the platform puts the consultation onto an interactive, map-based portal. As seen in the Haringey and Edinburgh examples, a resident can enter their postcode, see the proposed changes visually on their street, read all the related documents in one place, and submit their feedback through a simple online form.
Is this only for major city-wide strategies, or can it be used for smaller local changes?
It’s designed for both. The platform is scalable and can handle everything from a single disabled bay application or the placement of one cycle hangar, right up to complex, city-wide Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) consultations and long-term transport strategies.
How quickly can a council start using this? The Kirklees example seemed very fast.
Getting started can be remarkably quick. As the Cheshire West and Chester case study shows, a council can be onboarded and running live consultations in a matter of weeks. We work in close partnership with each local authority to manage the transition from older, text-based systems to a modern, map-based solution efficiently.
