Filming in Wokingham

Filming on the Public Highway

If you plan to film on the Public Highway in Wokingham and require traffic management, such as road or footway closures, or the installation of temporary traffic controls, you must complete a Section 171 – Apply to Film on the Public Highway Licence application form.

If your filming requires a road closure, you will also need to apply for a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO.) 

Read our Filming on the Public Highway guidance (PDF.)

When permission is not required

For small-scale productions (e.g. one camera filming a presenter) where minimal disruption to the Public Highway is expected, and no traffic management is necessary, you do not need permission from the Streetworks Team.

Notify the Berkshire Film Office

All filming activity within Wokingham should be reported to the Berkshire Film Office.

Notify Thames Valley Police

You may need to notify Thames Valley Police if you plan to film in Wokingham. Find out more on the Thames Valley Police website.

Why do I need permission to film on the Public Highway?

We are responsible for coordinating all road and street works on public highways. This ensures that essential infrastructure, such as gas mains and electricity cables, can be safely installed, maintained, or improved while minimising disruption to road users. In addition to managing street works, we oversee private license works, public events, and filming activities on the highway. A permit is required for any activity or material storage on the public highway.

Supporting Film and TV Production

We receive numerous requests to authorise filming on the Public Highway, including the use of parking spaces for production vehicles. We recognise the positive contributions film and TV production can make to the local area, such as boosting the economy and promoting tourism.

As the Highway Authority, our goal is to ensure the filming process is:

• Transparent: Clear guidance and straightforward requirements.
• Efficient: A streamlined application process for all stakeholders.
• Equitable: Balancing the needs of filmmakers with those of the wider community and highway users.

Fees and notice period

The cost of a Section 171 – Apply to Film on the Public Highway Licence is £591.20.

Payment will be requested once road space is confirmed. Payment is made via our online weblink. Please allow a minimum of 10 working days between applying for a licence and the proposed start date of your filming. ​

Your application will be delayed and possibly rejected if you do not pay the appropriate amount of the fee and submit all the required information needed to assess your application.​

How to apply

You can apply online for a Section 171 – Apply to Film on the Public Highway Licence. During the application process you will need to provide:

• A Traffic Management Plan.
• A Google Maps image highlighting the filming location.
• A scanned copy of a valid public liability insurance certificate (minimum cover of £10 million).
• Scanned, colour copies of Traffic Management Qualifications. 

Apply to film on the Public Highway

Parking suspensions and dispensations

If you need a parking bay suspension or dispensation to override a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), such as resident permit bays, yellow lines, or other restricted areas, you must obtain approval from our Parking Services Team. Please ensure your request is submitted at least 7 working days in advance to allow for processing.

Filming on Public Rights of Way

We are responsible for the management and maintenance of Wokingham’s Right of Way network, which includes footpaths, byways and bridleways.

If you would like to film on a public right of way or filming is likely to affect the normal use of the public right of way, please contact our Public Rights of Way Team. Please check our interactive map to identify any public right of way that may be in the area of proposed filming.