Road Closures
When deciding which road closure is most appropriate for your event, you must consider the following:
- the type of event you are holding
- the duration of the closure
- the types of roads you will be closing
- the number of roads you wish to close.
The Council needs to be made aware of measures to minimise impact on traffic flow, to ensure that any disruption to normal life is kept to an absolute minimum and to ensure there are alternative routes for both traffic and pedestrians. Making sure that it doesn't create traffic problems elsewhere as a result.
Please read the guidance below carefully prior to making an application and ensure you have answered every question on the form and supplied all information requested. Failure to do so may make your application invalid.
Use the application form below if you wish to apply for a Temporary Street Closure Order as part of a planned street party, or other organised event which you intend will take place on the public highway [road].
This may not be the only application you will need to make in order to hold your event. You should also contact any other relevant organisations if further permission is required.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) must receive your application in good time for it to be considered and processed. TWBC will consider applications, provided a minimum of 12 weeks’ notice is given.
Once you have completing the application form and gathered the extra information listed below, please also submit these using our online events application portal. If you have any queries please email: events@tunbridgewells.gov.uk.
Please make sure you supply all the information requested on the form. To prevent delay please enclose the following with your application:
- A street plan of your event
- A copy of your resident/businesses consultation letter[s]
- A copy of your letter to affected bus and taxi companies
- A copy of your certificate of public liability insurance
- A copy of your traffic management plan
- A copy of your sign schedule. Any signage must meet legal requirements; this may include road closed, road ahead closed and diversion signs (this is not an exhaustive list)
- A risk assessment
Important Notice:
TWBC cannot guarantee either that an order will be granted, or more than one road closure per calendar year will be permitted at the same location.
The following table can help you decide what road closure you need and how to make an application:
| Type of event | Duration of closure | Closure type | Application timescale | Authority responsible | How to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Events on major roads (A Roads, Road Diversions and Bus Routes) | More than 15 minutes | Temporary Traffic Regulations Order (via KCC Highways) | No less than 12 weeks before the event | Kent County Council - Highways department | KCC’s Website |
| Sporting (cycle races, triathlons, running races) Leisure | More than 15 minutes | Temporary Traffic Regulations Order (via KCC Highways) (Person(s) deploying signs must be Street Works accredited and have a permit from KCC) | No less than 12 weeks before the event | Kent County Council - Highways department | (If you cannot meet KCC Street Works accreditation requirements, apply via the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC)/Eventapp Town Police Clauses Act 1847) |
| Appropriate for allowing small groups of people or moving equipment across a road | Less than 15 minutes | Temporary obstruction (via KCC Highways) (Person(s) deploying signs must be Street Works accredited and have a permit from KCC) | No less than 12 weeks before the event | Kent County Council - Highways department | (If you cannot meet KCC Street Works accreditation requirements, apply via the TWBC/Eventapp Town Police Clauses Act 1847) |
| Events on minor roads (Carnivals, Parades, Remembrance Parades, Light switch-on, Street parties) | More than 15 minutes | Town Police Clauses Act 1847 (via TWBC/EventApp) | No less than 12 weeks before the event | Tunbridge Wells Borough Council | EventApp |