Road closures for events

View current temporary road closures on the latest roadworks page.

Road closures for events can be arranged using the following legislation:

Town Police Clauses Act 1847

This gives Local Authorities powers for preventing obstruction of the streets in times of public procession, rejoicing, or illuminations, and in any case when the streets are thronged or liable to be obstructed.

It may apply to a special occasion when the ordinary day to day use of a street or highway is likely to be obstructed by substantial numbers of people, on foot or in a vehicle, participating as spectators or otherwise in the occasion.

Not all orders under this power need take the form of a closure. This Act can be used for commercial and non commercial events

This power is normally used for carnivals and processions where the closure is for a short duration and / or traffic management requirements are not substantial.

Further information can be found on the Town Police Clauses notes to accompany an application for a temporary road closure under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

Special Events Orders under Section 16A-C of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

This gives Local Authorities powers to make orders to regulate traffic on a temporary basis to facilitate the holding of major sporting events, social events or entertainments on the highway. The restrictions may be imposed for a maximum of three days or longer with the consent of the Secretary of State. Only one such set of restrictions may be imposed on any particular section of road in a calendar year unless the Secretary of State consents.

This power is rarely used as it is for major on road events.

If an event is being organised by a non profit organisation and there is a fee for participants to enter/attend the event, this will fall under where charges are applicable for the road closure(s). If your event needs a road closure then apply early in your planning process.

Application form for road closure order for an event (PDF, 43KB)

Please note that a closure takes a minimum of eight weeks to process from the date that all the required information is received so early contact is vital.

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Page last reviewed: 10 May 2023