Filming in London: permits and fees
Film London coordinates permits across all 32 London boroughs and the City of London through the London Filming Partnership, routing productions to the right borough officer.
Who issues permits
Film London acts as the central coordination body for filming across Greater London. Individual borough councils issue their own street and public-space permits, but Film London’s London Filming Partnership (LFP) links productions to the correct officer and, for multi-borough shoots, streamlines the process significantly.
The LFP brings together 27 London boroughs under a shared approach to filming, meaning a single enquiry through Film London can reach multiple relevant authorities.
Process
Start with Film London’s Plan Your Shoot page at filmlondon.org.uk. Film London will tell you which borough officers need to be involved and can facilitate introductions. Individual borough applications then proceed directly with each relevant council.
Allow at least 10 working days for straightforward street permits. Complex shoots involving road closures or multiple sites may need four to six weeks, particularly if spanning more than one borough.
Fees
Fees vary by borough. Westminster, Camden, and the City of London each set independent tariffs. Admin fees start from around £150 for basic permits. Parking suspensions are charged separately at borough rates. Commercial shoots on council-owned land carry separate location hire fees.
What’s covered
Streets and public highways, council-owned parks, civic buildings, bridges, pedestrianised zones, and housing estate exteriors across Greater London boroughs. Private land — including Crown Estate property, Royal Parks, and TfL assets — requires separate permissions from those landowners.
Typical restrictions
No filming before 07:00 or after 23:00 without a noise variance. Parking suspensions require 48–72 hours notice minimum. Insurance of at least £5 million public liability is required across all London boroughs; some boroughs require £10 million for certain locations.
Contact
- Web: Plan Your Shoot
- Email: info@filmlondon.org.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7613 7676
Apply on the Film London website → filmlondon.org.uk
FAQ
- Who issues this filming permit?
- This permit is issued by Film London / London Filming Partnership, a national body covering england-se. Applications go direct to them rather than the local council.
- How long is the lead time?
- Allow at least 10 working days. Complex applications involving road closures, drone use, or multiple locations need more — plan 2–4 weeks ahead where possible.
- What's the typical cost?
- Fees start from £150. Expect supplementary charges for road closures, parking suspensions, officer attendance, and out-of-hours filming.
- What does this permit cover?
- The permit typically covers streets, parks, civic buildings, residential, commercial. Private property and other national-body land (e.g. Crown Estate, National Trust, Royal Parks) may need separate consent.
- How do I apply?
- Apply via Film London / London Filming Partnership's filming page at https://filmlondon.org.uk/filming-in-london. Submit your dates, locations, crew numbers, and equipment list. Expect a risk-assessment request and, for larger shoots, a pre-filming meeting.