Content

Salford
City Council - Record of Decision
 
I, Councillor
Mike McCusker, Lead Member for Planning, Transport and
Sustainable Development, in exercise of the powers contained
within the Council Constitution, do hereby authorise:
 
The
continuation of the City of Salford (Various Roads) Traffic
Regulation Order 2019 Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order
(ATTRO) following the 12 month review by Salford City Council,
Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Police, in line with
the original decision to introduce the ATTRO.
 
The Reasons
are:     
The anti-terrorism traffic
regulation order was introduced following a request from the Chief
Constable of Greater Manchester Police to potentially control the
movement of pedestrians and vehicles on City streets as part of a
package of measures aimed at improving the security of people in
crowded places and protecting damage to buildings from a potential
terrorist attack.
 
The Order would give to an
officer of Greater Manchester Police of the rank of Inspector or
above the power to restrict all or part of any City street at their
discretion on the basis of a security assessment or
intelligence of a threat. The discretion must be exercised in
accordance with the Schedule and any agreed Protocol for the time
being in force to ensure that any interference is proportionate and
that such restrictions are for the minimum extent and for the
minimum period necessary.
 
Within the ATTRO, there is a
requirement for all parties to review the operation of the ATTRO on
an annual basis review to ensure that the power was being used
correctly and that it remained a proportionate and necessary
power.
 
The ATTRO has been utilised for
a limited number of events in the City Centre and threat level
remains at SUBSTANTIAL, an attack is likely. Intelligence still
indicates that crowded public spaces remain an attractive target
for terrorists and that the use of vehicles, driving into crowds,
remains a viable tactic.
 
Assessment of Risk:
In considering the request for
a continuance of the ATTRO, regard has been given to the duty to
act in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights. In
relation to possible restriction of access to property, any
interference with Article 1 rights to enjoyment of property must be
justified. Interference may be regarded as justified where it is
lawful, pursues a legitimate purpose, is not discriminatory, and is
necessary.
 
It must also strike a fair
balance between the public interest and private rights affected
(i.e. be proportionate). It is considered that the public interest
in being protected by the existence and operation of the ATTRO
outweighs any interference with private rights which is likely to
occur when restrictions are in operation.
 
The scope of restrictions must
be proportionate and should only last until the likelihood of
danger or damage is removed or reduced sufficiently in the judgment
of a senior police officer.
 
It is considered that the
Schedule to the ATTRO will ensure that any interference is
proportionate, and, given the risks to life and property which
could arise if an incident occurred, and the opportunity provided
by the ATTRO to remove or reduce the threat of and/or impacts of
incidents, the ATTRO is considered to be justified and any
resulting interference legitimate.
 
The source of funding
is – there is no cost associated with the continuation of the
ATTRO.
 
Legal Advice
obtained:
Elise Petit-Gould – 8 January
2026 
 

LEGAL POSITION

 
1.
Statutory Powers and Legislative Compliance
The
proposed continuation of the ATTRO is made under Section 22C
of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended by the
Counter?Terrorism and
Border Security Act 2019),which permits restrictions on traffic to
avoid or reduce dangers connected with terrorism. Section 122
of the 1984 Act requires the Council, so far as practicable and
having regard to statutory considerations, to secure the
expeditious and safe movement of vehicular and other traffic,
including pedestrians.
Based on the information provided, the Council has considered
its duty under Section 122 to secure the safe and expeditious
movement of traffic, including pedestrians and the proposals comply
with these statutory duties.
 
2.
Proportionality and Reasonableness
The
ATTRO operates on a contingent basis and is activated only when
necessary, which limits routine disruption. The proposed annual
review mechanism, chaired by the Protective Security Office Chief
Inspector and involving relevant authorities, provides a formal
structure for oversight. This process ensures the ATTRO remains
proportionate, transparent, and effective, and allows adjustments
if circumstances change.
 
3.
Delegation and Constitution Requirements
The
proposed annual review process complies with the Council’s
constitution and delegated powers, as it establishes a structured
mechanism for oversight and reporting within the executive
framework. The report is addressed to the correct Lead Members, and
the process falls within current delegations. If any change in
delegation is identified when verifying the latest registers, the
decision and governance arrangements should be referred in
accordance with the Council’s executive
procedures.
 
4.
Transparency and Accountability
The
introduction of an annual review process, chaired by the Protective
Security Office Chief Inspector and involving relevant authorities,
is consistent with the Council’s governance arrangements and
will provide structured oversight, ensuring proportionality,
transparency, and responsiveness to changing circumstances. The
annual review process promotes accountability by formalising joint
meetings and documentation with police and Council officers,
ensuring ongoing assurance and transparency.
 
Subject to
the above, the proposal appears to comply with the relevant
legislative framework and the Council’s constitutional
requirements.
 

                                     
Financial Advice
obtained: N/A
 
Procurement Advice
obtained: N/A
 
Contact Officer:     Robert Owen         
Tel. 0161 779
4848
                             
Robert.owen@salford.gov.uk
 
 
This matter is also subject to
consideration by the Lead Member for Neighbourhoods, Environment
& Community Safety and, accordingly, has been referred to that Lead Member
for briefing purposes.
 
The appropriate scrutiny panel
to call-in the decision is the Growth & Prosperity Scrutiny
Panel.
  
 

Signed: Councillor McCusker                
Dated: 11th February 2026
Lead
Member for Planning, Transport & Sustainable
Development
 

 
This decision was published on 13th February
2026.
 
This decision will come into force at
4.00 p.m. on 20th February 2026, unless it is called-in in accordance with the
decision-making process rules.