Road closures

There may be a need to restrict traffic movement if you are planning to organise a street party or marathon etc. Very large events may also require restrictions and controls on traffic movement in surrounding roads, simply due to the number of vehicles concentrating on that area for the event and especially during the main arrival and departure times. Be warned that obtaining road closures and instituting temporary one-way systems is an expensive option!

Early consultation with the local authority, police and local residents, tradesmen, neighbours and their associations is essential, especially for such events as marathons and cycle races that require streets to be closed for the safe passage of competitors. The earlier consultations begin the lower the likelihood that unforeseen problems will emerge. The extent of the consultations and remedial actions will minimise the potential disruption that your event could cause.

Who do you have to talk to? The size, type, location and content of your event will dictate that. Bear in mind that even a modest event will probably disrupt the daily routine of everything within a radius of at least a mile. Take the advice of the local authority on how to inform and consult with local residents and businesses.

Though the police will take the lead in keeping local roads free from congestion, it may be beneficial if you work with the local authority to talk to local garages, shops, warehouses, offices, hotels, hospitals, sports centres, clubs, etc. Work with them; ‘sell’ them the event in terms of increased trade for local businesses and quality entertainment for local residents. They may have concerns; perhaps an undertaker may be concerned that traffic would disrupt a funeral booked for that date, or a local supermarket may be concerned that parking restrictions would prevent their lorry delivering fresh fruit. Listen to their concerns, and working with the police and local authority, generate an action plan that will resolve those problems. For example, the may be given a special police escort for the funeral, and the supermarket may have special permission for their lorry to park and unload for 20 minutes.

Remember that closing roads, making temporary one-way systems and/or temporarily banning right-hand turns at specific junctions, will all affect the people who live in, work in or just travel through the area. Do your best to minimise the impact.