Road Closures (Temporary) and Diversions

(including Temporary Signs and Traffic Lights)

The safety of all is paramount when works have to be carried out on the highway. Traffic (vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians) need to be warned of the existence of the works and then guided safely around them with temporary signs. This often necessitates the use of temporary traffic lights (which can only be erected if an application has been made and agreed). If it is impossible or unsafe to carry out work in proximity to 'live' traffic, it is sometimes necessary to put diversions in place and close the road. This decision is never taken lightly.

 

The County Council seeks to minimise road works disruption by co-ordinating work on the Highway (Network Management). Where possible, individual Utility Companies (e.g. electricity, gas, communications, water etc) are encouraged to take advantage of the programmed work of others so that disruption is minimised. Once an organisation has road space 'booked' for works, the organisation is obliged to carry out the works as quickly as possible and in such a way as to cause minimum inconvenience to other road users

Hampshire County Council's Responsibilities

To process both temporary traffic lights applications and Fareham Borough Council's road closure notices.

To request remedial action if organisations working in the road have inadequate signs etc.

Note: Temporary Signs and Traffic Lights must comply with the Traffic Signs Manual, Chapter 8 (Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road Works and Temporary Situations).

Fareham Borough Council's Responsibilities

To process the legal temporary road closure orders within the borough.

To agree alternative routes and the schedule of signs required to divert traffic.

To inform others, such as the emergency services or bus companies, of diversion routes/road closures.

To instigate road closures, following consultation with Hampshire County Council, under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847, Section 21. This covers events such as carnivals, fairs, marathons, or street parties etc

If you wish to hold a street party or close a street for any other reason, information can be obtained from engineering.transportation@fareham.gov.uk

For a street party or non-profit fundraising event

Before approval for the event can be given the following conditions must be met:

• An Event Co-ordinator must be appointed
• The event must comply with all Council local laws
• Public liability of at least £5m must be obtained for the event
• Residents and businesses affected by the event must be notified
• Signatures in support of the event obtained

The Event Co-ordinator is responsible for:

• Obtaining the written approval of Police, Ambulance and Fire services
• The cost of any Council media advertising of the street closure
• Liability for any loss of or damage to barricades, signs etc. used to effect the temporary road closure and for the cost of cleaning following the event if required

For a Street Party Only

• At least 80% of the streets residents and businesses must support the temporary road closure in accordance with the above conditions.
• The party can only be held in a local street.
• The party must be completed by 12 midnight unless approval is given to extend the time.
• Application must be made 4 weeks prior to the event

 

For further information please contact the Department of Planning and Transportation on Tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail engineering.transportation@fareham.gov.uk.