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Road closures

Do I need to apply for a road closure?

  • Do I need to apply for a road closure?

    If you want to hold an event that will prohibit or restrict traffic on a public road, you may need to apply to us for a road closure order. The type of event you intend to host will determine if you need to apply. The following guidance should assist you, but if you need further guidance email [email protected] or call 028 9027 0650 to speak to our staff. 

    To look at current and previous applications and for advice on how to comment on a current application, see road closure applications.

  • I am organising a parade

    You do not need to apply to us for a parade or public procession. But you will need to apply to the Parades Commission if it falls within the relevant categories of the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998.

  • I am organising a sporting event

    You will need to apply to us if you are holding a sporting event, such as a marathon or a fun run, on a public road. 

    You also need to apply to Athletics NI to hold a road race or cross country event.

    • To find out more, call 028 9060 2707 or visit www.athleticsni.org (link opens in a new window).
  • I'm organising a street party

    You will need to apply to us if you are holding a street party, or other similar small community based event, on a public road. 

    You should also consult Appendix 5 of the DfI Roads document guidance for promoters of events (link opens in a new window) for specific advice about holding a street party or other small event.

  • I am organising a concert

    You will need to apply to us if you are holding a concert or similar entertainment on a public road. 

    You may also need an Entertainment Licence.

  • I am filming for a TV programme, film or advertisement

    You will need to apply to us if you are filming on a public road. We need additional information about filming events, so you will need to fill in a supplementary form to tell us these details.

  • I am organising a cycle race or trial

    You do not need to apply to us for a cycle race or cycle trial, on a public road. However, you may need to apply to Cycling Ireland or Cycling Ulster in order to hold your event. 

    • For more information from Cycling Ireland, call 00 353 1855 1522 or visit www.cyclingireland.ie (link opens in a new window) for further advice.
    • For more information from Cycling Ulster, visit www.cyclingulster.com (link opens in a new window).
  • I am organising a motor race

    You do not need to apply to us for a motor race, on a public road. However, you may need to apply to Sport Northern Ireland in order to hold your event.

    • You can call them on 028 9038 1222 or visit www.sportni.net (link opens in a new window) for further advice.
  • I want to use a motorway or the Westlink

    We do not administer road closures for motorways or the Westlink. These roads are the responsibility of Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Roads and you must apply to them to close any of these roads.

  • I want to carry out roadworks or road obstructions

    We do not administer road obstructions or road closures for such works as road maintenance, road improvement or work by utilities (telecoms, NI water, NIE Networks or Phoenix Gas). For permission to carry out roadworks on a public road you must apply to DfI Roads.

Contact us

For more information and advice, get in touch.

[email protected]

028 9027 0650

Building Control, Ground Floor, Cecil Ward Building, 4-10 Linenhall Street, Belfast, BT2 8BP

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