Applying for a Road Closure

Local Councils have powers to close roads or restrict traffic to allow certain events to take place. These might include sporting events such as a fun run or marathon, social events including street parties or other forms of entertainment held on a public road.

If you want to hold an event that will prohibit or restrict traffic on a public road, you may need to apply to us for a Road Closure Order.

The type of event you intend to host will determine if you need to apply. The following guidance should assist you, but if you need further information, please contact Licensing and Regulatory Services on 0300 013 3333 ext. 40403 or at licensing@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Do I Need To Apply For A Road Closure?

Organising A Parade

You do not need to apply to us for a parade or public procession. But you will need to apply to the Parades Commission if it falls within the relevant categories of the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998.

For more information, call 028 9089 5900 or visit www.paradescommission.org (link opens in a new window). 

Organising A Sporting Event

You do need to apply to us if you are holding a sporting event, such as a marathon or a fun run, on a public road.

You also need to apply to Athletics NI to hold a road race or cross-country event. · To find out more, call 028 9060 2707 or visit www.athleticsni.org (link opens in a new window). 

Organising A Street Party

You do need to apply to us if you are holding a street party, or other similar small community-based event, on a public road.

You should also consult Appendix 5 of the DFI Roads Document Guidance For Promoters Of Events for specific advice about holding a street party or other small event. 

Organising A Concert

You do need to apply to us if you are holding a concert or similar entertainment on a public road. · You may also require an Entertainment Licence. 

Filming For a TV Programme, Film or Advertisement

You do need to apply to us if you are filming on a public road. 

Organising A Cycle Race Or Trial

You do not need to apply to us for a cycle race or cycle trial, on a public road. However, you may need to apply to Cycling Ireland or Cycling Ulster in order to hold your event.

For more information from Cycling Ireland, call 00 353 1855 1522 or visit www.cyclingireland.ie(link opens in a new window) for further advice. · For more information from Cycling Ulster, visit www.cyclingulster.com (link opens in a new window). 

Organising A Motor Race

You do not need to apply to us for a motor race, on a public road. However, you may need to apply to Sport NI to hold your event. · You can contact them on 028 9038 1222 or visit www.sportni.net(link opens in a new window) for further advice. 

Carry Out Roadworks or Road Obstructions

We do not administer road obstructions or road closures for such works as road maintenance, road improvement or work by utilities (telecoms, NI water, NIE Networks or Phoenix Gas). For permission to carry out roadworks on a public road you must apply to DFI Roads.

For more information call DFI Roads on 028 9054 0540 or visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/dfi-roads (link opens in a new window) 

Road Closure Application Process

1. Applicant contacts Local Council to discuss the proposed event.

2. Applicant completes the Road Closure Application form Application To Hold a Special Event on a Public Road (Word doc, 312 KB) (opens new window) and has attached

• Plan/Map of the Route showing road names and including diversions
• Traffic Management Plan and Signing Schedule
• Evidence that you have contacted any businesses and residents which may be affected by the event.
• Event Management Plan / Risk Assessment
•  Pro Forma of Public Liability Insurance with cover of £10 Million / Indemnity Agreement
•  Fee

3. Council circulates the application to Statutory and other organisations who may be affected by the Road Closure, including DFI Roads, PSNI, NIFRS, NIAS

4. Council places a Public Notice in a newspaper circulating in the local area. It should be noted that Council may determine that more than one newspaper is required based on the geographical location of the road closure.

5. After Public Notice expiry and consultation with various statutory bodies including the PSNI and NIFRS, and after receiving the consent of the Department for Infrastructure Roads, Council will determine if a Road Closure Order is to be made.

We strongly recommend you allow a minimum of 12 weeks to process the application and allow the public consultation on the proposed arrangements

Applicants should note that although the legislation provides the power to prohibit or restrict the use of a public road, pedestrian access to any premises situated on or adjacent to the road or any other premises accessible for pedestrians from, and only from, the road must be maintained at all times.

Road closure fees

Filming on a public road £400

All other events (excluding small special events) £350

Small Special Event £170

*Note - Where Licensing and Regulatory Services determine that an event must be advertised in more than one local paper due to the geographical location within the Borough, the cost of the additional advert will also be recouped from the event organiser.