Road closures for events

A road closure order is required for any event which may stop the flow of traffic on a public highway.

For small public events such as parades, street parties or markets, a road closure can be requested when applying to hold your event. View our events page for more information.

For larger events such as charity runs, cycle rides or concerts which involve temporary traffic management lasting all day or over a weekend these require a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) which can be applied for through West Sussex County Council.

A road closure does not automatically suspend parking restrictions like pay and display, permit holder only or limited waiting bays. If you require these to be suspended, please read the information on our suspending bays page.

Temporary road closures are permitted under provision section 21 of The Town Police Clauses Act 1847 (the Act). This Act gives local authorities powers for preventing obstruction of the streets in times of public processions, rejoicing or illuminations, and in any case when the streets are thronged or liable to be obstructed. These powers enable us to make an Order to temporarily close a road.

Closure of major trunk roads, through roads or longer-term closures must be facilitated by application to West Sussex County Council for a Closure Order under provisions of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

We may refuse a road closure for one or more of the following reasons:

• the event organiser has not given us enough time to process the application 
• there is a risk to public safety 
• we consider there is a more suitable alternative location for the event 
• the road closure covers very busy roads, a main bus route or there is likely to be too much disruption to traffic flow 
• large numbers of people are likely to attend the event 
• the necessity for a road closure is questionable 
• the event organiser's risk assessment identifies unacceptable risks 
• the requested closure closes the road for too long 
• there is no satisfactory diversion around the road closure 
• there is no satisfactory emergency services access to the road closure 
• there are objections that cannot be resolved 
• the application includes a proposal to erect stalls for the sale of goods or other static structures on the highway 
• the application relates to a private event (family party etc.)
• the application relates to an inappropriate event which we consider falls outside of the scope of the legislation;
• the road closure requirement falls outside of the Act's provisions
• the application is vexatious or not made in good faith

Upon receipt of an application, we will consult with relevant stakeholders regarding any healthy and safety matters.

Fees

A standard road closure fee of £98 will apply to all applications for road closures due to take place after 1 January 2025.

This fee does not apply to street party applications.

We do not charge for any closures due to Remembrance Day or VE Day celebrations.

Contact road.closures@arun.gov.uk for more information.

Planned road closures

For more information about planned road closures, including road closures for events, roadworks and diversions in place, please view the WSCC roadworks map.