Filming in Hertfordshire
Considering filming in a public space or highway in Hertfordshire? You will need to make an application with us first to ensure you have the correct permission before you shoot.
You must apply even if you are a student, you have a small crew, or you do not think you will be causing an obstruction on the streets.
You will need to complete the Hertfordshire Film Office Protocol
By agreeing to this document, it is accepted that you have also and agreed to the below guidance and practice:
Hertfordshire County Council Application Guidance
Hertfordshire County Council Filming Code of Practice
Filming in England Code of Practice
Filming on highways
Hertfordshire Highways has partnered with Hertfordshire Film Office, to support and manage filming on public highways. Productions can secure highway filming permits via the online system, both for traffic management and street filming.
Acting on behalf of 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
Please read carefully the what you need to film sections below along with the protocol and guidance before making your application.
Our online system is easy to use and our team is available to support you through the process.
Let’s get you started
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Public liability insurance
All productions need Public Liability Insurance to the value of £10 million before filming or commercial photography can commence in public areas. This covers the legal responsibilities of your production if your activities cause injury to a third party or damage to property. If you decide not to take out insurance and there is an accident, you could face prosecution.
Risk assessment and method statementEach production will also need a site-specific Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS), plus a residents’ letter for our approval. You will also need to sign and adhere to the Hertfordshire Filming Protocol, which you can find below.
HERTFORDSHIRE FILMING PROTOCOL
Traffic management applicationIf you are looking for traffic management, you may need to complete an additional application, along with supplying a Traffic Management Plan. If you are filming (or if your equipment will be) on the public highway, you will need a permit and charges will apply.
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We liaise closely with the local district, highways team and businesses on your behalf before approving any application.
Along with your application you will need to provide the following:
Public Liability Insurance to the value of £10 million
Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS)
A copy of your residential and business letter, which will need to be distributed once approved
Traffic Management Plan (if required)
Ready to apply?
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If your production is being filmed on a public highway, you may need to apply for traffic management through our online system.
Our job is to make sure your filming runs smoothly and efficiently, minimising disruption to highway users and the public where possible.
In addition to your highway filming permit, you will need a:
Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS)
Traffic Management Plan of the area affected and a diversion route (whether this is a full closure or stop and go), if a film order/notice is required
Residents and/or business letter (evidence of consulting with local businesses and residents)
Confirmation of consent from the police (if necessary) and district council where applicable
Public Liability Insurance to the value of £10 million
Once we have your application, we can advise on next steps, depending on your needs. We need a minimum of four weeks to process filming applications and notices, and eight weeks to process film orders.
We may also need to do a site visit. You cannot start filming until you have a valid licence and/or a temporary traffic regulation order.
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Do you need a unit base and parking for your tech vehicles? If so, Hertfordshire County Council and the district councils have lots of options available.
We can also refer you to local businesses that offer parking. Get in touch with your requirements to get the ball rolling.
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For Full closures you will require a TTRO, this form will be supplied once we have your application and you will need to complete this along with your Traffic Management Plan and other documents mentioned previously.
We will 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.
Stop and Go can sometimes be arranged with 2 weeks notice.
You cannot start filming until you have a valid filming licence and/or a temporary traffic regulation order.
What will it cost?
Are you filming in a public space or on a footpath or highway? Charges will apply.
These vary depending on the district, size of your production, level of disruption, administrative time and notice period. You can find out how much it will cost when you make an application. As a rough guide, fees (excluding VAT) are likely to be as follows:
You will also need to pay for parking charges and any costs relating to council-owned assets. These vary by district, but we can provide you with guidance on these costs and the application process.
Costs for Traffic Management
Standard traffic regulation order - multiple days closure
These are for planned works on a road.
Cost: £2,068.
Application processing time: 8 weeks minimum.
Valid for 18 months, if they affect right of way they only last for 6 months.
Traffic regulation notice - single day closure
You can't apply for these in advance.
Cost: £892.
Application processing time: 4 weeks minimum.
Valid for 21 days.
Filming Licence: Highway Cost £45-£130 dependant on road classification
Filming Notice: For closures up to 24 hours Highways Cost £225-£345 (PAA and Major notice required)
Filming Order: For closures up to 7 days Highways Cost £225-£345 (PAA and Major notice required)
These charges are in addition to Film Notice and Film Order charges.
PERMISSION TO FILM
ADMIN FEE
£125 to £500
plus VAT
Application fees
LOW LOADER PERMISSIONS
(PER LOCATION)
Up to £150 per day plus VAT
DRONE PERMISSIONS
(PER LOCATION)
£150
plus VAT
STUDENTS
£0 per day
You still need to apply for permission as a student.
Rates for highways/street location filming
SMALL PRODUCTION
£500 to £1,000 per day plus VAT
Including a small amount of disruption, a small amount of space or crew (1-5 members).
MEDIUM PRODUCTION
£850 to £1,500 per day plus VAT
Including a medium amount of disruption, a medium amount of space or crew (6-20 members).
LARGE PRODUCTION
£1,500 to £2,000 per day plus VAT
Including a small amount of disruption, a large amount of space or crew (20-40 members).
EXTRA-LARGE PRODUCTION
£2,000 to £4,000 per day plus VAT
Including a very large amount of disruption, a large amount of space or crew (40+ members).