Events taking place on or affecting the public highway

How to apply for temporary traffic restrictions to facilitate an event

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Holding an event on public roads

To hold an event on public roads, you must notify the Network Co-ordination Team. this includes events such as:

  • sporting/Charity events etc. taking place on the public highway
  • events taking place off the public highway (such as music festivals etc.) but with the potential to affect traffic flow on the highway

As Oxfordshire's highway authority, the county council considers road closure requests and traffic management applications for such events.
 

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How to request a road closure for an event

For events requiring road closures or temporary traffic management (e.g., 'no waiting' restrictions or one-way traffic), you must complete the Event TTRO/SEO application form.

After completing the form;

  • include a traffic management signage plan and risk assessment/method statement from your Traffic Management Company
  • provide a copy of your Public Liability Insurance for £10 million
  • complete a purchase order to cover fees
  • notify affected properties as requested by the county council
  • upload the application form and supporting documents to the Network Coordination Team contact form. 
Warning

We require 12 weeks' notice to process an application. 

Safety Advisory Groups

Safety Advisory Groups (SAG) are recommended if you plan an event on (or affecting) the public highway. SAGs are organised and chaired by the district/city councils and may be made up of representatives from:

  • Thames Valley Police
  • Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
  • Oxfordshire Ambulance Service
  • Oxfordshire County Council
  • Relevant District/City Council officers 

What SAG do

  • reviews event plans and offers guidance on their contents and structure.
  • may call on other agencies for specialist advice, depending on the event.

What SAG does not do

  • will not plan the event for you
  • will not assist you in meeting your responsibilities under legislation such as
    • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
    • Environment Protection Act 1990
    • Food Safety Act 1990

What Oxfordshire County Council will do

Our role within the SAG is to provide feedback on road closures and traffic management requests.

The county council would assess the need for traffic management such as:

  • event signing
  • temporary traffic management 
  • road closures

Licences for street parties and small community events

Road closure requests for events such as street parties, remembrance parades, Pride events, processions etc. may be applied for via your City or District Council

Use your postcode to find your district council. 

Visit the local government guidelines on organising a street party.

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