Temporary Signing on the Highway Network

You will need permission from the Highway Authority before you can place or display any form of temporary signs on the public highway.

It is a common and understandable desire of all persons organising a charitable event, fete, show etc. to have the event well attended. One way of achieving this is to advertise the occasion in the most cost effective way. If charitable advertisements are to be displayed, with permission, on the highway in Gloucestershire certain conditions need to be imposed on the organisers. This is necessary to both allow the advertising of the event to be legal and also preserve the appearance of the county.

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.Who is this likely to effect ?

A charitable purpose maybe considered as an event, which could be religious, educational, cultural, political social or recreational but not for any commercial purposes. Under the policy an advertisement for the following would be considered: -

• A church bazaar.
• A fete for a teacher-parent association.
• A sponsored marathon in aid of charity.
• A craft fair.
• A firework display.
• Other events that benefit local communities and charities.

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Why is permission needed ?

• The Town and County Planning Regulations 1992 control the display of advertisements. This control covers the display of advertisements anywhere, whether on highway or private land. One of the standard conditions of the regulations is that the landowner must have given permission for the display of the advertisement. As this applies equally to highway land, the Highway Authority must therefore give its permission for any signs erected on highway land. 

• The Traffic Management Act 2004 also places a responsibility on Local Authorities for good housekeeping and management of the highways in their area.

• The Network Management Duty Guidance requires regular reviews of the Network. It is suggested that during reviews opportunities should be taken to improve and simplify traffic signs and reduce clutter. It follows therefore we should be looking at reducing signs and not encouraging them.

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What is allowed ?

Gloucestershire County Council is prepared where possible co-operate with charitable organisations to allow a reasonable number of advertising signs to be displayed on the highway. Gloucestershire is an attractive county and has many tourists who visit, we therefore need to find a balance to allow advertising on the highway that is safe and doesn't spoil the countryside. Organisers are also encouraged to use the local press, local radio and free newspapers.

It is recognised that some charitable events are very local, e.g. school fetes open gardens etc, therefore the signs can be placed near to the venue. These signs could be quite small and maybe placed on street furniture.

Where a large event is taking place the signs may need to be located further away from the venue. The exact location for suitable sites would need to be decided on an individual basis.

One charitable organisation may require a sign in a chosen location for a period of time, it is quite probable that another organisation will also request a sign at the same location. This could lead to an advertising sign constantly being on display at one location. Therefore locations for signs need to be selected with care.

Permission to place a sign on the highway must be obtained at least 14 days prior to the event.

Signs may be erected 10 days before the event.

All signs must be removed 3 days following the event.

Signs approved must have a GCC authorisation sticker adhered to it.

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How do I apply for permission ?

You can down load a copy of the application form below or you can request to have one sent out to you by phoning us on 08000 514 514 or email us a request to have one sent out to you : Highways@gloucestershire.gov.uk 

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