Filming on highways

Many film productions require filming to be carried out on public highways.

As a highway authority, we want to ensure that the process of carrying out any filming runs smoothly and efficiently, minimising any disruption to highway users where possible.

You'll need:

  • public liability insurance with the minimum cover of £10 million
  • a risk assessment and method statement
  • a plan of where will be affected and a diversion route plan, if film order/notice is required 
  • confirmation of consent from the police and district council where applicable  

We'll need a minimum of 4 weeks to process film applications and film notices and 8 weeks to process film orders. A site visit may be required.

You cannot start filming until you have a valid filming licence and/or a temporary traffic regulation order.

Guidance documents

For further information, please see the Location filming process and The Filming Code of Practice.

Closures and changes to roads 

If you need to make temporary changes to any roads due to filming, you will need to apply for a temporary traffic regulation order.

Depending on the type and extent of any closures, the production company will be liable for certain charges including:

  • filming application charge
  • film order/notice charge  

Filming support 

If you're looking for a location or need studio space, facilities and crew, Creative UK may be able to help. It is a national agency providing a free support service for productions shooting outside of London.  

They have a database of local facilities and crew. If you are an experienced professional or new entrant, an established business or start-up company, you can register on their database for free so any productions filming in the region can find you.

For more information, please contact:

Hertfordshire County Council Highways, Network Management Team:
Filming@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Eddie Matthews at the Police on:
01707 806747
edward.matthews@herts.pnn.police.uk

Enquiries can also be directed to Joely Ellis, your local Productions Liaison Manager at Creative UK on:
020 8324 2311
joely.ellis@creativeengland.co.uk