Road Closures

A Temporary Road Closure Order is required for any event which may stop the flow of traffic on the public highway within the Mid Sussex District.

Mid Sussex has the power to issue Temporary Road Closure Orders under the provision of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847.

Events that are covered by the Act are :-

• Street parties
• Carnivals
• Parades

Mid Sussex are unable to provide temporary road closures for roadworks or very large-scale events that include but are not limited to:-

• multiple day closures that require overnight diversions,
• speed limit alteration requests,
• Sporting events
• Off road events effecting passing traffic.
• closure of main arterial roads or
• events with large numbers of people across multiple days.

These events require a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order and the application must be directed to West Sussex County Council via the link.

For more information, please see the guidance

For information on closures and diversions of the highway in relation to maintenance works please take a look at the West Sussex County Council’s travel information pages.

You must apply for your temporary road closure at least 8 weeks before the event.

Any applications received later than the below stated timelines, will be refused as we require sufficient time to conduct consultations with relevant parties.

All applications are referred to West Sussex Highways, Sussex Police, Town/Parish Councils, Bus Companies and the Safety Advisory Group.

The application must be made electronically via the eForm

Apply for a Temporary Road Closure

The application must include a map of the proposed closure(s) and diversion routes.

Fees - Application currently cost £50

Public liability insurance of £10 million is required for all temporary road closures except for simple street parties. This is to indemnify West Sussex County Council as the Highways Authority and Mid Sussex District Council in respect of any claims for loss or damage to property and death or injury to persons, relating to your activities, in whatever amounts, throughout the period of the permission.

Your application must include a copy of the public liability insurance certificate.

Mid Sussex District Council will not accept any liability for any injury, accident or damage to persons or property caused by the event.

As the organiser you must ensure that:

• There are sufficient road signs and barriers that should be placed out on the highway to warn traffic of the closures. The road closure signs should be adequate in number and should comply with the specifications required by the Highway Authority of West Sussex County Council. It is the responsibility of the organiser to source the necessary signs / barriers.The signs / barrier will not be supplied by Mid Sussex District Council.
• There is advance signing of the road closures; signs should be placed well ahead of any diversion routes so that traffic is aware, in good time, that there is a closure ahead and therefore a diversion route in operation. These signs should not be used to advertise your event as this would be construed as fly-posting.
• All signs and barriers must be illuminated during any hours of darkness or inclement weather conditions.
• There will be sufficient stewards who will be on duty for the event. All static closures should have a marshal present in a suitable reflective tabard.
• There is always pedestrian access.
• There is always vehicle access for emergencies.
• You have Highway Authority approval of road closure and diversion signs.
• Street fire hydrants are not obstructed.

The organiser is responsible for:

• Clearing the highway after the event has finished.
• Any damage to the highway – including street furniture.
• Informing all those houses/businesses affected by the Closure Order. This must be done in writing at least 14 days prior to the event.
• Removal of the street notice(s) after the event

Be aware that:

• No help can be given by the Police in removal of vehicles from the closed length of road during the preparation of the event.
• No claims will be entertained by the County Council (as highway authority), the District Council, the Town or Parish Council or any statutory undertaker in respect of any accident, damage or injury sustained as a result of the event. The onus is on the organiser to obtain the necessary insurance cover.

If you require more information, please contact licensing@midsussex.gov.uk