Newham Film Office

Apply for a Road Closure

Where an application to close a road is made, the application should include information on how traffic is to be directed and managed; this is a 'Traffic Management Plan' and should include:

1. use of appropriate signage;
2. using agreed diversion routes;
3. use of appropriately trained individuals or companies.

Newham Council requires that those carrying out the traffic management are trained to Supervisor level in the Street Works Qualification which is in accordance with the New Roads and Street Works Act, and that they work in accordance to Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual 2006.

There are companies that can assist with traffic management. Such companies hold relevant qualifications and will know which signs are appropriate to inform drivers and pedestrians of the closure and will know where these need to go.

Newham Council will assess whether the planned activity and control measures meet all legal obligations. This may also be done in conjunction with local Metropolitan Police or the Metropolitan Police Service Film Unit.

Newham Council will assess the impact of the filming event on traffic flow and the local community before accepting or rejecting applications for closure. Newham Council will make this assessment on a case-by-case basis. The LLA/TfL Act 2008 provides Local Authorities with the power to close roads for filming but does not dictate that this power should or must be used.

Download road closure application forms:

Part 1 - application form

Part 2 - Traffic Management Plan

Consultation

During the preparation of an Order or Notice, production companies will be expected to consult, advise and warn local communities, which ordinarily consists of a letter drop to all those affected, or a group meeting, or via other activities otherwise agreed by the Local Authority (as represented by the Borough Film Service).

The London Ambulance Service and London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority will also need to be notified as both their statutory response times and the access to buildings may be blocked or modified.

Production companies and filmmakers will also be expected to consult with local transport providers at the early stage of discussions (such as London Underground and London Buses).

Other Costs

Aside from the cost for implementing the road closure, production companies will also be responsible for the cost of the necessary traffic management plans, stewarding, policing and security plans, also the provision, maintenance and removal of all advance signing, traffic management signs, cones and barriers as agreed with the Traffic Authority.

Production companies or filmmakers will also have to cover the cost of any parking suspensions, crane licenses and any other licenses that are necessary as a result of the closure or any other aspect of the filming activity.  Contact the Film Office if you have any questions about licensing.