Traffic Authorities in London can shut down streets or highways for filming to take place. However, there are logistical and cost implications that you need to be aware if you need to shut down a road for the purpose of filming. Below, we’ll look at the procedure you will need to follow in order to get a London road close for filming, as well as the time you should plan for and the main costs involved.
How To Close Down A Road For Filming In London
The starting point for your inquiry should be to contact the Borough Film Service. Film London provides a comprehensive list of the different Borough Film Services which you can find here:
List of Borough Film Services
Once you have contacted the relevant Borough Film Service there are two ways of arranging the closure of a road for filming. These are through either an Order or a Notice.
There are six Orders available for each road per year. An order can be used for up to seven consecutive days, dependent on approval by the Traffic Authority. Typically closure by Order will cost around £1000 – £2000. This fee may be charged on a per application basis or as a set rate. To get an order approved will take a minimum of 8 weeks for less busy roads and up to 24 weeks for busier roads or those in central London. Orders are usually more suitable for larger productions and those with a larger lead time for planning.
When filming in London some boroughs will all you to close roads in the area via a Notice. In other boroughs a Notice will be issued only if closing the road is required for an emergency. You will need to contact the relevant Borough Film Service to determine if using a Notice is a viable option. The advantage of a notice is that they can be issued relatively quickly and there is no restriction on the amount of notices that can be issued for each street. Notices can only be in effect for a 24 hour period and the cost will vary from borough to borough.
What To Do If You Are Filming On A Red Route
Red routes are roads which form the backbone of London’s transportation network. Only 5% of roads in London are designated as Red Routes but they carry almost a third of London’s traffic. Red Routes are clearly marked with double and single red lines. Because of the importance of London’s Red Routes you will need to contact Transport for London in order to see whether closing down the road will be possible.
Other Issues & Costs To Consider When Closing A Road For Filming
The filing cost of a Notice or Order is not the only issue to consider when closing down a road for filming in London. You may also incur costs for traffic management as a result of the closure; providing security and stewarding; and provision of necessary signage, barriers and cones.
The cost of the Notice and Order may also involve other associated costs including advertising the Notice/ Order in a local newspaper, placing of notices on lamp columns in the area to advise the public, and the cost of the officer to draft the Notice or Order.
Alternative Traffic Management Plans
Finally, when a road is closed the public will need an alternative route to reach their destination. When closing road you will need to create Traffic Management Plan which shows how traffic is going to be managed and redirected. This will include an alternative diversion route which has been agreed upon by the authority, the provision of authority signage and the supply of a properly trained company / individual(s) to manage the road closure.