Skip and scaffolding permits on the road

These rules apply in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own roads law.

If the skip will stand on a road or pavement

A builders' skip needs the highway authority's permission before it goes on a highway. A highway includes the pavement and verge as well as the carriageway. A skip wholly on private land needs no permission.

The highway authority is normally your local council. On most motorways and trunk roads in England it is National Highways. The permission can carry conditions on where the skip stands, how it is lit and guarded, and when it must go.

Who applies for a skip permit

The skip's owner commits the offence if a skip goes down without permission, so the owner needs to hold the permit. A skip company is normally the owner of a skip it hires out for a short period. Ask your skip company who is applying, and for what dates, before it delivers.

Some councils accept applications only from the owner. Some keep a register of approved skip companies and remove a company that repeatedly breaks the conditions.

A skip company that carries waste must also be a registered waste carrier. Check its entry on the public register before you book.

Keep the skip visible

Your permit sets the lamps and cones you must use. Many councils bar skips near junctions, bus stops and traffic signals.

If a skip has no permission

If the owner does not remove or move a skip when ordered, the authority can do it and recover its reasonable costs. Councils add their own charges for a skip placed without a permit.

If the road is in London

The London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act 2013 changes skip enforcement only. Scaffolding and hoarding licences work the same way, from the borough or, on a Red Route, from Transport for London.

If scaffolding will block the pavement or road

The highway authority must grant a scaffolding licence when you apply with the particulars it reasonably asks for, and it can attach any terms it thinks fit. It can refuse only if the structure would cause unreasonable obstruction, or if a different structure would cause less and could conveniently do the job.

Your scaffolding contractor often applies, so agree who does before work starts. Councils ask for a site plan and proof of insurance. Some also ask for proof of the scaffold erector's accreditation.

Hoardings around building work

A hoarding that stands on the highway needs a licence under section 169, the same as scaffolding. Section 172 is a separate duty to put one up, not a licence.

Materials and equipment on the pavement

You must not wilfully obstruct a highway or leave anything on it that interrupts people using it. To store building materials or make a temporary excavation in a street that is a highway maintainable at public expense, you need the highway authority's consent. The authority can set conditions, and you must fence and light the materials and remove them when it asks.

If you go ahead without permission

Costs and lead times

Each council sets its own fees and notice periods, so check its published charges and apply early. Do not put a skip down or scaffolding up before the permit or licence starts.

Where to get help

Ask your council's highways or licensing team, which grants skip permits and scaffolding licences. On a Red Route, ask Transport for London.