Filming on the highway

Buckinghamshire is a film-friendly County. We welcome enquiries from the producers of non-news film, television and stills photography wishing to locate their project on highways in the county and aim to facilitate this process wherever possible.

Whilst recognising the important role that filming plays in the UK economy both at a national and local level, we are committed to ensuring that the benefits of filming in the county are balanced at all times with the need to maintain safety at all times and minimise any potential disruption to the travelling public, residents and local businesses.

In order to maximise the benefit derived from filming in the county for its community , minimise the disbenefits and deliver a professional service to film-makers, we have adopted a filming policy for Buckinghamshire.

We have developed filming guidelines which sets out the guidelines for applying for a notice of no objection. This includes:

• Providing a 'one-stop service' to film-makers
• Delivering an open and fair application process
• Creating transparency in the charges levied for filming
• Issuing notices to confirm approved applications

We also ask that, in return, film makers:

• Co-operate with us by following the application process
• Inform the Transportation Department of a planned shoot within a time frame that is adequate and proportionate
• Ensure that the crew conducts itself in an appropriate manner, causing as little disruption as possible

Definition

Throughout this guideline, the term filming on the highway applies to individuals or companies wishing to use highways, which includes footways, within our jurisdiction for the purpose of creating a non-news film, television or stills photography production.

Objectives

The key objectives of our filming guidelines are to:

• set out how we will manage its filming service
• attract high-calibre film, TV and stills photography productions to the county
• raise the profile of the county (locally, nationally and internationally)
• balance the needs of the travelling public, businesses and the local community with the needs of the film, TV or stills photography company
• secure maximum benefit for the county whilst minimising the impact on affected group in the community
• provide clear guidance and information to film-makers and the public
• send a message that Buckinghamshire is 'film-friendly' and a good place to do business.
  

The Transportation Service must be informed in advance about any filming on the highway. This can be done by filling out the online forms. A detailed risk assessment must be undertaken, method statement drawn up and a copy of these sent to the film officer with a completed application form and a copy of your insurance policy.

Filming on public roads carries some risk, not least because other road users can be distracted by seeing lights and cameras on the roadside, or on a low loader. We would wish for filming not to be undertaken on the Strategic Road Network (A and B roads) especially in the peak period or where road closures may be needed. Filming will be considered on other roads where it can be undertaken safely and the travelling public or residents will not be significantly disadvantaged.
BCC will charge reasonable costs - see table of charges - which have been incurred by them in considering the application and decide whether or not to object to a particular shoot.

The Health and Safety Executive has issued an information sheet with guidelines about filming on a public highway. This next link needs to be active, but relate to Buckinghamshire County Council. Read the Health and Safety responsibilities for any film unit wanting to film using vehicles. Please download at the bottom of the page and print a copy for every person involved in the planning of shoot on a public highway. These guidelines must be followed. 

We expect companies employed to provide low loaders, or A frame trailers, to carry the relevant insurance details. We also expect them to be experienced and knowledgeable about the safe operation of the equipment.

Dispensation within Civil Enforcement Areas for filming purposes and / or associated vehicles: £115 (no VAT) / day. Charges are payable in advance and must be paid to Buckinghamshire County Council Parking Services. A  minimum of 7 working days notice is required.