Apply for a skip permit

Before you place a skip on a road you must:

  • be an authorised Skip Hire Contractor
  • have a permit issued by us

Skips cannot be placed on pavements.

Apply for a skip permit
Apply to renew an existing skip permit

If authorisation is granted, you will be given a reference code which relates to that skip at the agreed location and for an agreed period.

Register as an authorised skip hire contractor (a ‘skip operator’)

Apply for a skip operator licence
Apply to change a skip operator licence

If you are not an authorised skip hire contractor, you will need to register as one in order to apply for a permit.

Keep within the law

We may pursue a prosecution through the Magistrates Courts against any skip hire contractor (authorised or unauthorised) who:

  • places a skip on a road without an appropriate permit
  • places on a road a skip that does not meet the Builders’ Skips Marking Regulations

Highway projection permits

A public highway can include any carriageway, footway, pedestrianised area or verge that is maintainable at public expense. Highway projections protrude over them.

Apply for a permit for private apparatus along, over or across a public highway

Examples of private apparatus include a private telephone cable which spans a street, or a small canopy on a building. If you have an appropriate licence from us, you may place a temporary or permanent private apparatus along, over or across a public highway.

To apply for a Licence (under Section 178 of the Highways Act) please contact us in writing at Highway Regulations in the Highways department, giving details of the type of apparatus.

The cost for a Section 178 Licence is £80 (VAT is not applicable).

Apply for a permit for a large projection from a building over a public highway

Examples of large projections include balconies, structural canopies and general building overhangs.

To apply for a Licence (under Section 177 of the Highways Act) please contact us in writing at the Bridges Section in the Highways department, giving details and structural calculations.

The cost for a Section 177 Licence is £500 (VAT is not applicable). There may be additional charges for calculation checks.

Apply for a permit for bridge construction

To apply for a Licence (under Section 176 of the Highways Act) please contact us in writing at the Bridges Section in the Highways department, with details and structural calculations.

The cost for a Section 176 Licence is £500 (VAT is not applicable). There may be additional charges for calculation checks.

Keep within the law

If not already granted, planning permission may also be required.

The owners of the apparatus must have, and maintain, Public Liability Insurance cover (minimum £2 million for small apparatus and £5 million for larger type buildings / apparatus).

A Street Works Accredited Supervisor is required for all persons working on or over a public highway. Operatives should also be accredited where appropriate for their specific duties.

Supporting information

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