Guidance for organisers of events affecting the public highway: Appendix 2

The law governing road closures

Dorset Council use the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984 legislation for temporarily closing roads for sporting / leisure events on the highway. Such events include cycle races, triathlons and running races.

It must be noted that each road can only be closed once per year using the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984 for an event without getting special permission from the Secretary of State.

Public Liability insurance is required for all road closure orders made using the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 by the traffic authority, which will almost always require £10 million in cover.

There may be costs associated with processing a road closure order that the event promoter will need to meet, and these are published on our website.

Following the correct legal procedure for processing road closures takes time, so there is usually a minimum notice period required for any road closure request. This will depend on the road being closed, the legislation being used and the type of event. Notice periods range from six weeks to six months. Event promoters should contact the traffic authority to find out what precise notice period required as soon as the need for a closure is decided. Without the correct notice period, it may not be possible to process a closure application.

Most road closures will require a diversion route. Diversion routes are usually decided by the traffic authority. The traffic authority will make every effort to keep the diversion route clear of other incidents, works or events. However, it is possible that an unplanned incident or emergency works have to be carried out on the diversion route. Accordingly, a backup diversion route may need to be considered. This is usually only necessary for large or events lasting more than one day.

Please note Dorset Council and Dorset Police no longer recognise the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 as appropriate legislation for the closure of roads.