Road closures (temporary) and diversions (including temporary signs and traffic lights)

When work is needed on the highway, the safety of everyone is paramount. Traffic (vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians) must be warned about the works and guided safely around them with temporary signs. This often means use of temporary traffic lights, which can only be used if an application has been made and agreed. If it is impossible or unsafe to carry out work in proximity to 'live' traffic, we may need to put diversions in place and close the road. We never take this decision lightly.

Hampshire County Council seeks to minimise any disruption from road works by co-ordinating work on the highway, this is known as network management). Where possible, individual utility companies such as electricity, gas, communications, water etc are encouraged to take advantage of programmed work of others. Once an organisation has road space 'booked' for works, it is obliged to complete it as quickly as possible.

Other highway related works and/or closures, such as statutory undertaker works (Gas/Elec/Water/Phone etc.) can be viewed at RoadWorks.org  or on the Hampshire County Council Public Notices  webpage.

Hampshire County Council's responsibilities

• To process 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 et
• To process the legal temporary road closure orders within the Borough for Statutory undertakers or events such as road races.
• To agree alternative routes and highway signs to divert traffic

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 road closures under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847, Section 21, covering events such as carnivals, fairs, or street parties etc., following consultation with Hampshire County Council; and
• To inform others, such as the emergency services or bus companies, of diversion routes/road closures

For a street party or non-profit fundraising event

Before we can give approval for the event, these 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 £5million must be obtained
• 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
• Procuring and funding any necessary traffic management road signage for any closure, having agreed the proposed signage with the Council.
• The cost of cleaning after the event if needed.

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 four weeks before the event.

For more information, contact our department of regulatory and democratic services on 01329 236100 or e-mail parkingservices@fareham.gov.uk.