The safety of all road users is of paramount importance when works have to be carried out on the highway. Vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians need to be warned of the existence of the works and guided safely around them with temporary signs. This often requires 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 closed the road and put diversions in place. However, this decision is never taken lightly.

The Council seeks to minimise road works disruption by co-ordinating work on the Highway (Network Management) and 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

The reasons for closure may be for example:

• resurfacing of the carriageway
• laying pipes and cables
• providing pedestrian refuges in the middle of the road where it would be unsafe to allow vehicles to squeeze past workers on the carriageway
• special events, such as the St Georges Day parade, where large numbers of pedestrians may spill over onto the carriageway
• street parties in quiet residential streets

Who can apply for a road closure?

In general, applications for road closures will be made to the Network Management Team by Statutory Undertakers. Private individuals, can also apply if they wish to hold events for street parties. These will only be allowed if the Safety at Public Events Group (SAPE) support the application, and if the location of the closure does not unduly affect surrounding roads. 

How can I apply for a road closure?

Please see the forms below:

• Application to use Temporary Traffic Signals on the Highway
• Application to use Stop and Go Boards on the Highway
• Application for Temporary Road Closure
• Application for Lane Closure

Who can close a road?

With the exception of the police, who can close roads in undertaking their normal duties, roads can only be closed after the Council has made a legal Traffic Regulation Order. This has to be prepared, and advertised in the local newspapers. The advert will give details of the dates when the road will be closed, and the reasons why it has to be closed. It will also give details of any diversion routes to avoid the closure.

How long can a road be closed for?

The maximum length a road can normally be closed is 18 months, but every effort is made to keep road closures to an absolute minimum.

How much does it cost?

There is no standard charge for road closures as each event has to be considered on its own merits. However, the costs can be quite expensive, as Sandwell Council has to;

• Process temporary traffic lights and road closure applications for roads in the borough
• Select alternative routes and produces a schedule of the signs required to divert traffic
• Informs others such as emergency services, bus companies, etc
• Require remedial action if organisations working in the road have inadequate signs etc
• Will process the legal temporary road closure orders within the borough
• Instigate temporary road closures under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847, Section 21, which cover events such as carnivals, fairs, marathons, or street parties 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)

For current information relating to travel and traffic in the West Midlands visit: www.help2travel.co.uk