Sometimes works on the highway, or some large deliveries, require a road to be closed temporarily to general traffic. Such closures require a Traffic Regulation Order issued by the Highway Authority.
Road closures may be needed for a number of purposes.
Work on the highway
If you need to do any work on the highway you must have the consent of the Highway Authority. In most cases this will be the Council. The main exception to this is the Red Routes. Transport for London is the Highway Authority for the Red Routes
Once you let us know that you propose to work on the highway, our Traffic Co-ordinator will arrange to meet you on site to discuss whether a road closure is necessary or whether traffic can be accommodated in some other way (using temporary signals for example).
If a complete road closure is necessary the Council must make a Traffic Regulation Order (a TRO). The preparation and advertising of a TRO will take at least six weeks and you must take this into account when planning any works. Each TRO costs £1600 to make and advertise. Statutory consultation with the Emergency Services must be carried out. All costs involved for both the closure and diversion signing will have to be met by the person requesting the closure. A road closure can last for a maximum of 18 months.
Where a Traffic Regulation Order restricts the use of a road, route or area to certain vehicles, the signing of a recommended alternative route will need to be considered. This is usually done in conjunction with the Traffic Co-ordinator, the Emergency Services and the Bus Operators.
Often works on the highway can be managed through the use of temporary traffic signals. Again, this will be agreed with our Traffic Co-ordinator. You must provide any signals that are agreed. You will require a signals certificate to operate three-way signals. The Council, once they are satisfied with the signals proposed, will issue the certificate. You do not need a TRO in order to use temporary signals.
Cranes
If you wish to use a crane you must agree the location, time and traffic management with the Council’s Traffic Co-ordinator. You may need a TRO.
The Council may also require a deposit as security against any damage to the highway or street furniture. This deposit is refundable if no damage is caused.
Street parties and events
If you wish to hold a street party or run an event on the public highway (a marathon or a procession for example), you must have the approval of the Highway Authority and should contact the Traffic Co-ordinator, who will consider your request.
We generally do not make a charge for closing the road for a street party, but any costs must be met by the event organiser.
If you want to stage an event on a Red Route please contact Transport for London’s Senior Engineer for Lewisham.
FAQ
If I only need to close part of a road what do I need to do?
You must contact the Council’s Traffic Co-ordinator who will meet you on site and agree the best way to manage traffic whilst you carry out the work. If temporary traffic signals or Stop Go boards are required you will have to bear the cost of these. Closing part of a road may not need an official road closure order.
How much notice do I need to give the Council (or TfL, on a Red Route) to get a road closure?
You would need to contact the Council between eight and 12 weeks before you need the road closure. We will begin the process of drawing up the necessary Traffic Regulation Order and advertising it as soon as we have received your payment of £1600. Remember that this process takes a minimum of six weeks.
For work on Red Routes please contact Transport for London through the details below.