Royal Wedding: Councils urged to help street parties by waiving road closure fees

Councils are being urged to waive road closure charges for people organising street parties for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding day.

While local authorities vary in how much they usually charge residents to close their road, some have already committed to waiving fees for those planning to celebrate the Royal Wedding on 19 May.

Thousands of people enjoyed street parties when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were married seven years ago, with Britons enjoying an extra Bank Holiday.

While no extra day off work has been granted for the latest Royal nuptials, plenty are still expected to celebrate on what is the same Saturday as the FA Cup final.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said it hoped councils would make it as easy as possible for parties to be held.

“Many councils, from Bromley to Salford, have already announced that they are waiving charges for street party road closures, making it easier and cheaper than ever to hold celebrations,” the department said.

“The Government is urging other councils to follow suit.”

Fans of both the Royals and the beautiful game were relieved to discover that the wedding will not clash with the Cup Final – with the service starting at midday and kick-off at Wembley at 5.30pm.

Jake Berry MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, said: “We’ve made it easier than ever for local residents from all backgrounds to come together to celebrate the Royal Wedding and we hope councils will get into the spirit by helping people wishing to organise street parties.”

The Street Party Site, which advises people on good practices for organising such events, says that one resident on behalf of their road will need to apply to their council three to 12 weeks in advance.

Every house and business in the street will need to be informed of the plan, and emergency services will need to be consulted to ensure access to the road is not compromised.

(c) Sky News 2018: Royal Wedding: Councils urged to help street parties by waiving road closure fees