Things to consider when organising an event

When special events require the road to be closed off to general traffic, a temporary road closure will be needed.

The Council can organise the necessary Traffic Regulation Order, however all costs involved for the closure and diversion signing would be paid by the event organiser.

If you need a road closure, contact Traffic Services on 0191 427 7000.

Because of the legal procedure and timescales involved, which must be followed, please make the initial contact as soon as possible.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations cannot be dealt with by the Council.

For these events, contact Northumbria Police so that they can make the appropriate arrangements.

Events on live roads

The police have no general duty to preserve public safety at any public event, except where there are imminent or likely threats to life.

If you decide to go ahead with your arrangements, you must appreciate that if an incident happens because of your event, involving death or injury, the police will be allowed to assess any enquiry of the advice given.

Full risk and responsibility must be with the event organisers.

Under regulations, the responsibility for traffic management for events on or affecting the road is with the Council.

It is the Council's responsibility to:

• Request a traffic management plan from the organisers
• Issue any traffic regulation orders
• Work with partner agencies
• Create and test plans
• Communicate with the event organiser about any related costs

Northumbria Police will work in partnership with other agencies and offer guidance and knowledge in their specific field of expertise.

If you decide against road closures for your event as the event organiser you should make sure:

• everyone involved in the event must observe compulsory traffic signs and have no right of way over other traffic using the road
• all staff connected with the event will be informed by the organiser(s) that they can't slow down, stop or interfere with other road users
• a risk assessment is in place to support the event
• any major changes to routes already notified to the police should be subject of separate applications
• y that any vehicles involved in the event are roadworthy