What are the difference between the types of closures?
The main differences between a small private street party and other public events are listed below.
Traditional street party
A traditional street party has:
- simple tables and chairs on one road
- less than 500 people attending
- no sale of alcohol
- no entertainment like live music or performances
You’ll need a Street Party Road Closure Order and no other licence. You won't be charged for it.
Allow at least 6 weeks to apply for the road closure.
Large street party
A larger street party has one or more of the following:
- less than 500 people attending
- sale of alcohol
- entertainment like live music or performances
You’ll need a:
- Street Party Road Closure Order
- Temporary Event Notice (TEN) which costs £21
You won’t be charged for a Street Party Road Closure Order.
Please allow at least 6 weeks to apply for the Street Party Road Closure Order and the Temporary Event Notice.
Street event
A street event has one or more of the following:
- more than one road closed
- more than 500 people attending. If more than 5,000 are attending, you should give us 8 months’ notice. If more than 20,000 are attending, you should give us 12 months’ notice.
- sale of alcohol
- entertainment like live music or performances
- items like portable toilets, generators, staging, funfair rides, catering, trade stalls and lighting on site
You’ll need either a:
- Street Party Road Closure Order, or
- Section 16 application form
Street Party Road Closure Order
You’ll need a Street Party Road Closure Order if your event:
- has less than an estimated 1000 people attending
- doesn’t involve closing a traffic sensitive road
A Street Party Road Closure Order is free.
Section 16 – Temporary Traffic regulation order for special events
You’ll need a Section 16 if your event is a large street event and involves the closure of a traffic sensitive road or if you want to close more than one road.
More information about Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders.
In both cases you’ll also need:
- a premises licence
You should allow:
- 8 weeks to apply for the premises licence
- three months to apply for the Section 16 licence
- We won’t accept late applications.
What is the process for applying for a closure?
You must follow this process:
1 - Check with the Police whether the area you have chosen for your event is suitable and notify them of the event.
We will do this through our consultation process but it would be best for you to discuss your plans with the Police first.
If you are looking to hold a street party, you do not need to do this step.
The police can be contacted at:
Address: Essex Police Traffic Management, Casualty Reduction Section, Community Engagement Team, Tylers Ride, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, CM3 5XD
Email: traffic.management@essex.pnn.police.uk
Telephone: 01245 452280
2 - Obtain valid liability insurance for your event.
You will need to provide valid liability insurance to the value of £5 million.
When you apply online, you will need to provide a copy of the Insurance.
3 - Complete the online application form.
When you complete the form, you will need to upload:
- A completed risk assessment. This is compulsory.
- Valid liability insurance to the value of £5 million. This is for road closures only.
- A diversion route map.
What is the process once I have submitted my application?
We will consider your application, consult Essex County Council and Essex Police and then tell you the outcome.
Please allow at least 6 weeks to process your Road Closure Order.
If your application is approved, you will then have to inform all residents and businesses that may be affected by your event.
As well as applying to us, you may also be required to hold Public Liability Insurance and a Performing Rights Society Music Licence.
How to organise a street party
The number one tip for holding a party is to plan early and to share jobs out amongst residents. If you need a temporary road closure, get in touch with your council at least 6 weeks in advance. Your first point of contact could be either the council’s highways, licensing, events or communities team. If you encounter any difficulties speak to your local councillor who will be happy to help.
More helpful tips, advice and support for organising a successful event can be found on The Big Lunch website where you can request a free Big Lunch pack for organisers, and also on the Street Party website.