Apply for a road closure for events
You can apply for a temporary road closure or traffic restriction online. Before you apply, make sure you are familiar with our Road Closure Conditions and Guidance document available via downloadable documents.
Apply online
Notice
In order to close a road for your event, you will need to give us:
- At least 9 months′ notice when applying for a road race or motorsport event
- At least 3 months notice when applying for an event such as a carnival, parade, fun day etc
This will allow us sufficient time to review your application, its supporting documentation and assess your traffic management and safety arrangements. Additional information can be found in the Check List for Event Organisers.
What happens next
We will consider your application and assess the feasibility of the closure and proposed diversion route.
You will need to demonstrate that you are competent to organise the event that is proposed.
We will ask for the following:
- Evidence of proposed consultation and public notice:
With those who may be affected. This includes the emergency services (Fire and Rescue, Ambulance, Police etc), Local Authorities, Public Transport, Churches, residents and businesses - Traffic Management Plan:
Identifying any sections of road to be closed along with any other restrictions such as a prohibition of parking & including any proposed diversion routes and full details of all signage to be utilised - Risk Assessment:
Identifying potential hazards and precautions to be taken to ensure the safety of all - Licences/Permits (if applicable):
For example from a governing motorsport body, or if there will be alcohol, fireworks, music, etc - Public Liability Insurance:
We will not approve a closure without it. We accept £5m for small events and ask for £10m for larger events - Late submissions:
Please note: Supporting documentation must be submitted by the deadlines specified by the Department. Failure to provide information by the required dates may delay consideration of the application, result in additional information being requested, or attract additional charges in accordance with the Event Application Fees Schedule
Application Fees
Applications for road closures associated with events are subject to a fee.
For events taking place this year, up until 31 December 2026, the event fee will remain £275 (unless it involves the A18 Mountain Road).
Charges applicable to events taking place on or after 1 January 2027 are set out within the Event Application Fees Schedule, which is available as a downloadable document on this page.
The fee payable depends upon the nature, scale and impact of the event, together with the level of assessment, coordination and highway management required by the Department.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the charging schedule before submitting an application.
Additional charges may apply where:
- Amendments are made to an application that has already received approval in principle
- Required documentation is submitted after published deadlines
- Officer attendance or monitoring is required; or
- An event requires use of the A18 Mountain Road
A18 Mountain Road
The A18 Mountain Road forms part of the Island's strategic highway network and closures have a significant impact on road users.
Applications involving the A18 Mountain Road will be considered on their individual merits and are subject to the approval of the Minister for Infrastructure.
Additional charges apply for events involving the A18 Mountain Road, as detailed within the Event Application Fees Schedule.
How Mountain Road Fees are Calculated.
Payment Instructions
Payment instructions and applicable fees are detailed within the Event Application Fees Schedule.
Unless otherwise advised by the Department, payment must be made by electronic transfer upon submission of an application to the following:
Account number: 12545376
Sort code: 55-91-00
Account name: IOM Government
Payee reference: Application reference number
Additional Information
Fees apply only to the Department's assessment and administration of an application and do not include the cost of temporary traffic management arrangements, including signs, barriers, marshals or traffic management contractors.
Applicants remain responsible for all costs associated with the delivery of their event.
Refunds
Where an application is cancelled within 14 days of submission, a cancellation charge equivalent to 50% of the applicable application fee will apply.
After this period, the full application fee will normally remain payable.
Any request to cancel an application must be submitted in writing or by email using the contact details provided below.
Legislation
In accordance with section 38 of the Highways Act 1986; or the Road Races Act 2016.
Event safety
Helpful information on event safety can be found on our Event Safety webpage.
You should also complete the Event Notification Form.
Approved closures
Details of approved closures can be found on Road Watch.
Contact us
You can phone +44 1624 686930 if you need any further help or support with your application.
