When holding events on a road that require road closures or other traffic management restrictions e.g. no waiting at any time, one-way restrictions, it is important to consider the legal constraints for having events on roads (note: Events should only held on a road when there is no suitable alternative – reasons for holding an event on a road will need to be given, prior to the event being agreed by the Council).
The Town Police Clauses Act 1987 enables a legal order to be made to close roads to vehicles and prevent unnecessary obstruction of the street by vehicles when the street is ‘thronged with people’ for events e.g. carnivals, street parties, bonfire nights.
Previously, applications for Town Police Clauses Act (TPCA) Orders were made to the District/Borough/City Council. Applications for TPCA’s will now be dealt with by Cumberland Council through an online portal on the website:
Apply for a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order
- Choose close a road for an event; and
- Once you have submitted a request you will be directed to a list and you chose the relevant type of Order for an event, for which there will be two:
- Sporting, Social or Entertainment Event – this is for road closures or more substantial traffic management that is required to enable an event to be held on a road; and
- Town Police Clauses Act (TPCA) – this is for road closures that is required for carnivals, street parties, bonfire nights when there is likely to be a crowd of people on the road, but no other substantial traffic management is required.
Once you have chosen the relevant order that is required, you will be guided through the procedure of what is required and payment for the making of the legal Order, and any notices that are required.
Please note that applications should be made 14 weeks in advance of the planned event. Advance applications are necessary to ensure that the Council can deliver the large volume of TTRO’s applications received, for both works and events, which require a legal Order to be provided, and also give us time to consider those applications and liaise with the relevant organisations as necessary and/or required, whilst following the statutory procedures.
The council will consult with the necessary organisations on your behalf. However, if you have any requirements you should consult with the relevant body yourself prior to completing the application form.
- You are required to consult with anyone who may be affected by the event such as residents or local businesses.
- Depending on the size and nature of the event, you may also wish to consider advertising in a local newspaper.
- You are responsible for ensuring that any requirements placed on you by the consultees are undertaken.
Any signs or barriers erected should be done so in accordance with the requirements of Cumberland Council Highways department.
If it is a new event, please discuss this with the Traffic Management Team Leader who will also support you with completing the application form. If you need support with your application, or you are not able to make payment online you can request a paper application form using the enquiry form by contacting the Highways hotline.