Temporary Road Closures: Equipment Checklist for UK Events
Temporary road closures for events require a formal Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) and a full complement of specified equipment. This checklist ensures your event closure is safe, legal, and compliant with Chapter 8 requirements.
The Legal Basis
- Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, Section 16A: Allows TTROs for events on public roads
- Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual: Specifies equipment requirements for temporary traffic management
TTROs must be applied for to the relevant highway authority. Lead times can be 6–12 weeks, so apply early.
TTRO Application: Required Information
- Event name, date, time, and duration
- Exact roads to be closed (street names, grid references)
- Reason for closure and proposed diversion routes
- Traffic Management Plan
- Public liability insurance (minimum £5 million)
- Safety Risk Assessment
Equipment Checklist: Road Closure Point
Signs (Chapter 8 Specified)
- ✅ Road Closed sign (Diagram 619) × 2 per closure point
- ✅ Advance direction signs indicating diversion route
- ✅ Cone-mounted signs where appropriate
Physical Barriers
- ✅ Chapter 8 compliant barriers — see our barriers range
- ✅ Pedestrian crowd control barriers for event perimeter — see our crowd barriers
Traffic Cones
- ✅ 750mm cones (A-roads) or 1000mm cones (dual carriageways)
- ✅ All cones must be Chapter 8 compliant with retroreflective banding
See our full traffic cone range.
Lighting (Night Events)
- ✅ Amber flashing lights on all closure barriers
- ✅ Light wands for manual traffic control
- ✅ High-visibility clothing for all traffic management personnel
Personnel
- ✅ Stop/Go board operators at manual points (require NHSS 12AB qualification)
- ✅ Traffic management supervisor on site throughout closure
Post-Event Removal
- Road must be clear and reopened within the TTRO approval window
- All signs and barriers must be recovered — abandoned equipment is a highway offence
- Road surface must be inspected for damage and reported to highway authority