What sort of events does this guidance apply to?
Street parties, small community fetes, Remembrance Day parades, processions (such as military funerals) etc. These are events that groups of residents get together to arrange for their neighbours or are other non-commercial community based events. However local processions which require rolling road closures as opposed to those set out with formal traffic management (signs and cones) are dependant on the support of the Police.
Road Closure Costs
The Council has decided that for small community events in the future, including those celebrating the Royal Wedding this year and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee 2012, the Council will absorb the legal and administrative costs associated with the necessary road closure notices.
Approval for Road Closures
Where events are planned to take place on the public highway, the event organiser will need to apply for a Road Closure Order. This involves seeking the approval of the Council’s Network Management Team (NMT) who will review the proposed event to decide whether the relevant road can be closed. Once the NMT agrees (in consultation with the Police as necessary), a formal road closure Order will be made to enable the agreed section of the highway to be closed to motor vehicles.
Applications for closure for Street Party or Community Event
If you would like to hold a street party or fete, you can use the form on the right, or supply the same basic information via post or by e-mail.
The number one tip for holding a party is to plan early. The Council’s Network Management Team will be prepared to informally advise whether a proposed closure is likely to receive approval. But written applications must be made at least 3 weeks in advance.
More helpful tips, advice and support for organising a successful event can be found on the Streets Alive website www.streetparty.org.uk|
Other issues that will be considered before approval is given
Approval may not be given where the road to be closed significantly restricts vehicular access to wider residential areas, businesses or the highway network more generally, or is on a bus route.
Appropriate signage will be necessary and will have to be organised, paid for and maintained during the closure period by the applicant. At the very least “Road Closed” sign(s) will be required, but in some cases supplementary traffic cones and signing of diversionary routes may be necessary. NMT will provide advice on what is required.
Tables, chairs or other facilities at these events must allow access by the emergency services, or be capable of being moved to allow access at short notice in an emergency situation.
Other Approvals or Licences
Private street parties and fetes generally do not include activities that need a licence, such as selling alcohol or providing certain types of entertainment. However if you intend to sell alcohol, or provide entertainment to the wider public, or charge a fee to raise money for your event, you will require a Temporary Event Notice or a Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003.
Guidance and further details can be obtained from the Licensing Section| webpages or by calling 0191 4334741 or emailing licensing@gateshead.gov.uk|
Larger Public Events
Larger public events attracting 500 or more people may require Safety Advisory Group meetings. Road closures for these events follow a different process which the event organiser must pay for. Costs start from £1000 upwards. For guidance on larger public events, contact the Council’s Events Team by phone on 0191 4336900 or by e-mail on events@gateshead.gov.uk|