Overview

For a parish council village road closure, the map should be used to plan the closure itself, identify diversion and access arrangements, and demonstrate that emergency and local access have been considered.

Note: this is work in progress and under review. The different sections have a suggested name for the layer to be created and the geometry of the features to be stored in that layer.

Method

1. Define the purpose and extent of the closure

• Establish why the road needs to be closed, for example for a fete, street party, procession or community event.
• Confirm the proposed date, times and duration.
• Identify precisely which section of road will be closed.
• Determine whether the closure is a full closure or whether controlled access will be maintained.
  
  
1. Use Parish Online
   
   
• Open in Parish Online the village and surrounding area.
• Use aerial imagery where useful to identify junctions, accesses, buildings, parking areas and physical restrictions.
• Create a new layer for the event. Mark the proposed closure point and the exact limits of the affected road.
• Relevant Knowledge Base Articles in sequence of their use:
  
  Details on how to create a fresh new layer - Creating Map Layers
  Adding features to the new layer - Add, Edit and Delete Map Objects (Points, Lines and Polygons)
  Giving a unique ‘look’ to the features in the new layer - Styling a Map Layer
  Creating a map for a newsletter/noticeboard or use in a site visit - Using the Print Tool
• Visit the location to confirm that the map reflects the current layout.
  
  
2. Identify affected roads and properties
   
   Mark on the map:
• All junctions approaching the closure.
• Residential properties and businesses affected.
• Side roads, private drives and field accesses.
• Public footpaths, cycle routes and bridleways.
• Bus routes and stops.
• Schools, care facilities, farms and other premises that may require access.
• Existing parking areas.
  
  
3. Identify suitable closure points – Parish Online - Create Layer = Closure Points – Geometry = Point
   
   Select positions that:
• Clearly prevent vehicles entering the closed section.
• Do not unnecessarily restrict access to properties.
• Allow emergency services to reach the area.
• Do not create an unsafe obstruction or visibility problem.
• Leave sufficient space for pedestrians and accessibility needs.

Mark each closure point on the map and give it a unique reference, such as C1, C2 and C3.

5. Plan the traffic diversion - Parish Online - Create Layer = Traffic Diversion – Geometry = Line
   
   Use the map to identify an appropriate alternative route for through traffic.

Check that the proposed diversion:

• Is suitable for the types of vehicles normally using the closed road.
• Has sufficient road width and suitable junctions.
• Does not introduce significant additional hazards.
• Avoids creating another bottleneck.
• Is clearly signposted at decision points.

Draw the diversion route on the map using a different line or symbol from the closure.

6. Plan local access - Parish Online - Create Layer = Access Route – Geometry = Line
   
   Consider separately how the following will be accommodated:
• Residents.
• Businesses.
• Deliveries.
• Refuse collection.
• Agricultural vehicles.
• Disabled users.
• Taxis and community transport.
• Emergency services.

Where access is permitted, establish how it will be controlled and who will be responsible for managing it.

7. Plan pedestrian arrangements - Parish Online - Create Layer Pedestrian Route – Geometry = Line and Create Layer Pedestrian Crossings – Geometry = Point
   
   The map should identify:
• Existing footways and footpaths.
• Safe pedestrian crossing points.
• Any temporary pedestrian routes.
• Areas where pedestrians could conflict with diverted traffic.
• Accessible routes for wheelchair and mobility-aid users.

Do not assume that closing a road automatically makes the whole area safe for pedestrians; consider the effects of diverted traffic.

8. Assess hazards using the map - Parish Online - Create Layer = Hazards – Geometry = Point
   
   Conduct a location-based risk assessment covering:
• Junctions and poor visibility.
• Narrow roads.
• Sharp bends and steep gradients.
• Increased traffic on diversion roads.
• Pedestrian/vehicle conflicts.
• Emergency access.
• Parking displacement.
• School or pedestrian activity.
• Agricultural traffic.
• Weather or poor road conditions.

Record the control measures required for each significant risk.

9. Plan signs and traffic management - Parish Online - Create Layer = Traffic Management – Geometry = Point
   
   Produce a separate signing plan showing the position and direction of:
• Road-closure signs.
• Advance warning signs.
• Diversion signs.
• Any temporary traffic controls.
• Pedestrian signs or barriers.
• Information signs for residents.

The plan should show where road users first encounter the closure and every point at which they need to make a decision about their route.

10. Plan emergency access - Parish Online - Create Layer = Emergency Access – Geometry = Line
    
    Clearly mark on the map:
• Emergency access routes.
• Alternative approaches to the village.
• Locations where barriers can be moved or opened.
• Any particularly vulnerable premises.
• A suitable meeting point for emergency responders if necessary.

Ensure the people managing the closure understand how emergency access will be provided.

11. Consult and obtain the necessary approvals
    
    Before implementing the closure, confirm the legal process and permissions required from the relevant highways/traffic authority. A parish council should not assume that it can legally close a public road simply because it is organising the event.

Consult, as appropriate, the highways authority, police, emergency services, affected residents, businesses, bus operators, landowners and other relevant organisations.

12. Produce a final traffic-management map – Include all Parish Layers

The important distinction is that the location map explains the overall geography, while the traffic-management plan tells people exactly what must be put where. The latter should be sufficiently clear that someone implementing the closure can identify every sign, barrier and diversion without having to interpret the plan themselves.

The final plan should include:

• Road-closure limits.
• Closure points.
• Diversion route.
• Advance-warning signs.
• Diversion signs.
• Pedestrian routes.
• Emergency access.
• Access points for affected properties.
• Traffic-management personnel or steward locations.
• North arrow.
• Scale.
• Legend.
• Date and drawing/version number.
  
  12. Brief the people implementing the closure
  
  Provide the final map to everyone involved. Ensure they know:
• Where each barrier and sign goes.
• When the closure begins and ends.
• How access will be managed.
• How emergency vehicles will be accommodated.
• Who has authority to deal with problems.
• Who is responsible for removing the signs and reopening the road.
  
  
11. Inspect immediately before closure
    
    Walk or drive the planned route and compare it with the map. Check that:
• Signs and barriers are correctly positioned.
• Diversion signs are visible.
• Access requirements have not changed.
• No roadworks or other obstruction has appeared.
• Emergency access remains available.
• Stewards are in their agreed positions.
  
  
12. Monitor the closure and review afterwards
    
    During the closure, monitor traffic queues, pedestrian safety, resident access and diversion problems. Record incidents or complaints.

After reopening, review what happened and update the procedure/map for future events.