Legislation changes for special events on roads

New legislation to allow special events to be held on roads is now in place.

Until now roads have been closed by police using general policing powers.  This new legislation provides the relevant authority the power to authorise and approve, by order, the holding of a special event such as a street party or sporting event on a road. 

In most cases the relevant authority will be the District Council in which the road is located.  The exceptions being any event proposed for a special road, which are mainly motorways, for which the Department for Infrastructure is responsible.

The Department has worked closely with District Councils and the PSNI in the preparation of guidance to assist in the implementation of the legislation.

Prospective applicants for events should contact their local council to explore the possibility of holding an event. 

Notes to editors: 

1.  Guidance on the legislation can be found via the following links:

• www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/special-events-roads-guidance-notes-district-councils
• www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/special-events-roads-guidance-promoters-events

2.  The Roads (Miscellaneous Provision) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010 was enacted on 13 August 2010.  An Order, commencing the specific special events provisions, was made on 25 January 2017 with the provisions becoming operational on 4 September 2017.

3.  The Act amends the Road Traffic Regulation (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 to provide the relevant authority the power to prohibit or restrict traffic using a public road for the purpose of holding a special event.

4.  Special events are defined in the legislation as:

• Any sporting event, social event or entertainment which is held on a public road; or,
• The making of a film on a public road.

5.  The relevant authority:

• For a special road, is the Department; and,
• For any other public road, is the local district council.

  Special roads are all motorways, the Westlink and the A8M Sandyknowes/Corrs Corner. 

6.  The following are not special events:

• Public processions;
• Motor road races; and
• Cycle races or trials

  These are dealt with under separate legislation. 

7.  The legislation provides a framework for assessing applications and requires that an order is made before a special event can be held.  The following are specific requirements which are need before an order can be made:

• A notice published in at least one local newspaper;
• the consent of the Department; and,
• Consultation with the police, fire and ambulance services. 

8.  All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or e-mail: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.  Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.

9. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra

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