Skips
We issue licences for skips under section 139 of the Highways
Act 1980 permitting the placing of a skip on a highway (including
private streets) and the licence is issued to the skip company
(permissible under local authorities (transport charges)
regulations 1998).
We issue licences to place skips on the highway. Note:
It is the skip operator's responsibility to obtain the highway
permit, not the householder or the builders' (contractors')
responsibility and an application must be submitted a minimum of 5
working days before the licence is required.
- Skip licences must be obtained regardless of whether a skip is
to be placed on a publicly maintained highway or a private street.
This does not apply to a private road where the public have no
right of access.
- Proof of public liability insurance is required to the value of
£10 million.
- A licence can be valid for any period between 1 day and 5
days. For longer periods, additional applications should be made.
Only one skip will be allowed on site at any one time except in
exceptional circumstances.
- Skips placed on the carriageway require at least 4 traffic
cones on the approach side to guide traffic past the skip.
- During the hours of darkness, in poor daytime visibility and
bad weather, road danger lamps (flashing amber) must be placed
against or attached to each corner of the skip. If sited on the
carriageway, a lamp should be placed between each cone.
- Skips placed on the highway should not contain any inflammable,
explosive or noxious material, or anything which is likely to cause
a nuisance to highway users.
- Contents of the skip shall be kept "damped-down", or covered to
prevent dust or spillage on the highway. The skip must not be
overloaded and must be removed when full.
- Highway officers keep a log of unauthorised skips showing
date, owner and action taken. Persistent offenders may be reported
to the police or prosecuted by the County Council.
- If a skip is in an unsafe condition or location, officers
will instruct the skip owner to remove the danger within 2 hours.
If the owner cannot be identified, the highway officer will
arrange for the removal of the skip to the depot. If necessary, the
highway officer will arrange suitable traffic management to
avoid a dangerous situation continuing. All costs will be recovered
from the skip owner.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to do to place a skip on the road outside
my house?
Refer to the Yellow
Pages or other local directory for a skip company. A
licence is required to place a skip on the public highway. The
application should come from the skip company. Proof of public
liability insurance is required to the value of £10 million
and a licence fee will be payable.
Which skip companies do the County Council
recommend?
We do not recommend skip companies. Please refer to the Yellow
Pages or other local directory.
How do I report a dangerous/unlicensed
skip?
If you are concerned that a skip is dangerous to pedestrians or
other users of the public highway, please phone 01243 642105 or
'report a fault' online. Our staff
will arrange for the skip to be made safe by the skip owner.
I represent a skip company, how do I apply for a
licence?
See supporting documents below for an application form
which must be completed electronically and returned to the email
address shown on the form.
Supporting documents
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