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 (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).
Applications can be made through an online portal:
Apply for a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order
You will be directed to a list of application types, of which two relate to events:
- Sporting, Social or Entertainment Even
- Town Police Clauses Act (TPCA)
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.
Sporting, Social or Entertainment Event
Section 16A of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 gives Local Authorities powers to make an Order to facilitate a sporting, social or entertainment event on the highway, such as a music festival or major cycling or running event.
The restrictions may be in force for a maximum of three consecutive days and limited to 1 Order per calendar year on any particular section of road, unless written consent of the Secretary of State has been given.
Applications for a Section 16A event must be received a minimum of 14 weeks in advance of the event taking place.
Up-front payment is required before a Section 16A event can be processed. Additional advertisement costs will be payable and will be invoiced separately.
Town Police Clauses Act 1847
The Town Police Clauses Act 1847 (TPCA) 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, marches.
Previously, applications for TPCA Orders were made to the District/Borough/City Council. Applications for TPCA’s will now be dealt with by Cumberland Council.
Applications for a TPCA closure must be received a minimum of 8 weeks in advance of the event taking place.
The Council will consult with the Police, who must grant permission for a TPCA event to take place. If the Police highlight issues which cannot be resolved, the application will be refused.
Up-front payment is required before a TPCA event can be processed. Usually, additional fees will not be charged, however a separate fee may be payable for any advertisement costs incurred.
Additional Information and Requirements
For both 16A and TPCA events, you are required to consult with anyone who may be affected by the event such as residents or local businesses and are responsible for ensuring that any requirements placed on you by the consultees are undertaken.
You are required to provide and maintain all signing, including advanced notice boards, for the duration of the event/closure. Any signs or barriers erected should be done so in accordance with the requirements of Cumberland Council’s 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.
Current fees and charges can be viewed on the Council’s website:
Cumberland Council fees and charges
Further information on the legal aspects of event closures is contained in the following document: