Road closures for events on the public highway
Road closures for events on the public highway
Many events in Northumberland have an impact on the public highway. Find out about the process of closing a road for an event.
Before completing a Road Closure Form (Word), you will need to read and action all the relevant sections on the Northumberland Safety Advisory Group page.
You will need to inform us of:
- the date and time of the party or event
- whether or not you want to close a road, or section of road, and its name
- if the road is part of a bus route or used by through traffic
- a list of any properties or businesses affected
- if you've consulted neighbours
Help to complete the Road Closure form
Email: roadclosures@northumberland.gov.uk
Smaller events
Street parties on quiet streets that don't affect the wider road network count as small events. If you're planning a small event for neighbours, apply to hold a street party.
Road Closure Legal Process
Road closures for events will in general be processed under section 16A of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (RTRA). Prior to making any order the traffic authority shall:
- satisfy themselves that it is not reasonably practicable for the event to be held otherwise than on a road
- have regard to safety and convenience of alternative routes suitable for the traffic which will be affected by any order
The council will consider each requested road closure in accordance with the legal requirements of section 16A of the RTRA in order to confirm whether the road closure is acceptable or not.
In some cases, it may be possible to process a road closure under Section 21 of the Town and Police Clauses Act 1847 (TPCA). However due to its limitations the council will only use the TPCA for events such as those involving moving processions, parades or for street parties held in residential streets where the road closure has no other impact other than on the residents of the street. Otherwise, Section 16A of the RTRA will be used.
Charges for Road Closures
If you require a road closure to enable your event to take place, a legal order is required to close the road.
| Description of event | Legal Order | Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Public processions, rejoicings, illuminations, or street parties in residential streets | Town and Police Clauses Act 1847 - Section 21 | Free of charge |
| For sporting event, social event or entertainment which is held on the highway and causes minimal disruption to road users This will not be advertised in press and is at the discretion of Northumberland County Council | Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 - Section 16A | £100 (admin fee) |
|
For sporting event, social event or entertainment which is held on the highway and causes disruption to road users Advertised once in the local press to alert road users |
Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 - Section 16A | £500 |
|
An event which takes place off the highway but a closure or restriction/prohibition is required on the highway in connection with the event As part of the legal process for the order this is advertised twice in the local press |
Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 - Section 14 | £1625 |
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