Events - Affecting the Highway

Do you need permission to hold an event on the highway, how much does the permission cost and what Public Liability provision is required? This page answers these questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need permission to hold an event on the highway?

Yes. Under the law, highways must not be interfered with in an unlawful manner. Permission is needed to allow the local authority to treat the event as a lawful interference of the highway.

If the event is of a moving nature on the highway e.g. procession or is in a fixed location but of very short duration, permission is needed from the Police through the Town Police Clauses Act.

If the event is in a fixed location on the highway, permission will be needed from Kent Highway Services through the Road Traffic Regulation Act. A road closure will be needed to accommodate the event.

How much do these permissions cost?

There may be a charge from the local Parish, Town, District or Borough Council who administer the paperwork on behalf of the Police.

Under the Road Traffic Regulation Act, Kent Highway Services will arrange for a road closure for the event.

Charges

• Kent Highway Services charge £260 for preparation of the legal notices plus an average charge of £650 for the advertising required.
• Kent Highway Services also charge £115 for assessing the extent of road closures, the diversionary routes and signing required.
• With all situations, there may be additional costs for the procurement, placing, maintenance and removal of signs and barriers specified for the event. These costs will vary in accordance with the complexity of the measures needed. Kent Highway Services may arrange for this to be done through its own or another contractor on a rechargeable basis.

Can I use my own contractor to sign the road closure and diversions?

It is possible but we will have to be certain that your contractor is competent and accredited to carry out this kind of work and will have the necessary public liability insurance. There are a number of specialist signing contractors on the market.

Why does Public Liability Insurance have to be provided and how much cover is required?

The person organising the event on the highway will have to arrange public liability insurance. The insurance is needed to indemnify the County Council, Borough or District Council and their servants and agents from all claims and costs arising from the event, however caused. The level of cover required is £5 million for an unlimited number of claims. Kent Highway Services will require proof of the existence of the insurance cover prior to the issue of any permission.

How do I apply for Permission?

If you would like to apply for a road closure please contact leisure services:

Email: angelalynch@swale.gov.uk
Call: 01795 417212

More Information

Useful web pages

• Events - Toolkit
• Events - Risk Assessment
• Events - and the Police
• Events - Licensing Requirements
• Events - Guidance on Accessibility