Road closures for events

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 to 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, charges are applicable for the road closure(s).

The form will take 10 minutes to complete.

Apply for a road closure order for an event

You will need the following documents to complete your application:

• Evidence of public liability insurance cover for £5 million.
• Risk assessment
• Traffic management plan from your appointed TM Company

Your Traffic Management Plan must include:

• (a) a plan showing positions of the road closure/route diversion signs/barriers
• (b) a description of wording/size/colour of the road closure/ diversion/ signs/barriers
• (c) details of stewards/marshals.
• All signs must conform to The Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8. It may be necessary for the organiser of the event to employ a competent traffic management organisation.

All road closures require a minimum of 8 weeks’ notice. Any applications received that are not fully complete, with less than 8 weeks’ notice will not be processed. Any applications that are received that are partly complete will be returned and dismissed until all documentation and payments are received together.

Once you receive your approval, we are unable to make any changes for example to dates or times.

If you have any problems when applying, email filmingandevents@cheshireeasthighways.org.

Advance warning signs for road closures

Advance warning signs are erected 2 weeks prior to the event. The signs must be at either end of each closure point, but on the road you are closing.

Informing businesses and residents

All businesses and residents within the affected area are informed at least 2 weeks prior to the event.

Health and safety

You must comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and codes of practice including the Department for Transport’s Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice and the following must be adhered to:

• Each road closure must be manned by a qualified operative, only a qualified operative can stop any form of road user.
• Access for residents, businesses & emergency services (this includes blue light, vets, carers etc) to be maintained at all times.

Signage during the road closure 

Ensure all signs are erected by your appointed Traffic Management Company/qualified personnel and are maintained ensuring clear visibility. Signs must not be erected by untrained marshals.

Clearing the site

Once complete all signage must be removed and any rubbish must be cleared. If we have to dispose of any apparatus/rubbish left on site, a cost will be incurred. 

Failure to comply with any of these listed responsibilities, will result in the permission for the road closure/restriction being withdrawn. This means the event will not be able to take place on the highway.