Skip hire permits: Do you need a permit for a skip?

So you’ve got everything ready for your home clear-out or refurbishment, but have you considered that you might need a skip hire permit (also referred to as a skip hire licence)?

If you’re planning on hiring a skip to be kept outside your property on the public road, you’ll need to wait for your permit to be approved before your container can be delivered.

Here’s everything you need to know about skip hire permits in the UK.

Do I need a skip hire permit in the UK?

Anybody who wants to hire a skip in the UK must comply with section 139 of the Highways Act 1980, which requires all containers kept on public roads to have a skip hire permit.

The reason for this is to make sure the skip isn’t posing a danger to other road users or restricting access to emergency vehicles.

Skips placed on public roads must also comply with local highway safety requirements, which are explained below. 

Failure to follow local authority restrictions for using a public highway for your skip hire could land you with a fine of up to £1,000 and your skip may be removed without notice.

Unsure if you need a permit? Our team can advise you and arrange it on your behalf. We’re happy to help over the phone or online.

 

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Can I put a skip on the road?

Yes, you can place a skip on a public road, but only if you have a valid skip hire permit and the location is suitable. The skip should be positioned where it won’t obstruct traffic, pedestrians, or access to nearby properties.

If there isn’t a safe or practical location on the road, your skip hire company may recommend placing the skip on private land instead.

Tip: Wondering what skip size you need? See our guide on How to decide the right skip size for your waste project.

What road safety requirements apply to skips?

Skips placed on public roads must comply with local highway safety requirements to help protect motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Depending on the local authority, this may include:

• Reflective markings so the skip is clearly visible.
• Safety lights during the hours of darkness.
• Traffic cones or barriers around the skip.
• Clearly displayed contact details for the skip hire company.
• Positioning the skip so it doesn’t obstruct junctions, pedestrian crossings, driveways or emergency access.

These requirements can vary between councils, but SunSkips takes care of the necessary safety measures as standard when your skip is placed on a public road.

Is a skip hire permit always necessary?

If you have a private driveway or land on your property to keep the container on without blocking access, a skip hire permit isn’t necessary.

Also, if your property is on an unadopted road that does not have to be maintained by the highway authority, then you may also be exempt from obtaining a permit.

It’s best to check with your local authority or skip hire company before you decide whether or not you need a permit so you don’t run the risk of a fine down the road.

RELATED: Can you hire a skip for a day? A quick guide for a quick cleanout

Skip permit rules vary by local council

Although skip permits are required under the Highways Act, the rules for obtaining one aren’t identical across the UK.

Permit fees, approval times, permit durations and placement restrictions can all vary depending on the local authority responsible for the road where your skip will be located.

Some councils may restrict skips on busy roads, near junctions or during local events, while others have different notice periods or permit extension policies.

SunSkips is familiar with local authority requirements and can advise whether a permit is needed before arranging the application on your behalf.

SunSkips provides reliable skip hire across the East of England, including Ipswich, Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds, Norwich, Haverhill and surrounding areas. Book your skip online or speak to our friendly team today.

How do you get a skip hire permit?

Most local authorities require the skip hire company to apply for the licence directly. SunSkips is happy to do this, but not all skip hire companies offer the service.

A typical skip hire permit is valid for between one week and one month, so depending on your local authority, it’s important to time your application so it covers your entire skip hire period (although you can usually extend your permit if you need to).

Need help arranging your permit? Simply enter your postcode when booking online or give the SunSkips team a call. We’ll confirm whether a permit is required and, where applicable, handle the application on your behalf. 

How much do skip permits cost?

The cost of a skip hire permit depends on the local authority responsible for the road where your skip will be placed. Permit fees vary across the UK, and some councils may charge additional fees for permit extensions or longer hire periods.

SunSkips charges a flat rate of £110 (VAT included), which covers the council’s permit fee as well as our administration costs for arranging the application on your behalf. This means you don’t have to contact the local authority yourself or manage the paperwork.

If you’re unsure whether a permit is required for your location, call the SunSkips team. We’ll confirm whether a permit is needed and, if so, take care of the application for you.

Ready to book? Check out our skip hire prices and choose the perfect skip for your project.

How long does it take to get a skip hire permit?

A skip hire permit application usually takes five days to be approved, but can take longer.

If you don’t book your skip with enough notice for your permit to be approved, you may face a delay in your delivery. SunSkips can’t place your skip on a public road until your permit has been approved.

Applying well in advance is wise in the unlikely event that your local authority deems it necessary to decline your application for a skip hire permit.

This would usually be due to concerns over restricted access for traffic or pedestrians, which may be the case for containers larger than eight yards (the biggest skip local authorities typically allow on a public road).

You may also find that you’ve applied at a time when there are several other skips on the road and it’s simply a case of there being too many containers out at once. This is more likely to occur in the spring/summer season or during a popular local event where traffic control is important.

Planning ahead? Book your skip as early as possible to allow enough time for permit approval. You can book online in minutes or contact the SunSkips team if you need help.

What happens if you don’t have a skip permit?

Placing a skip on a public road without the required permit can lead to enforcement action by your local authority. As we mentioned above, under the Highways Act 1980, you could face a fine of up to £1,000, and the council may require the skip to be removed if it has been placed unlawfully.

In addition to the financial penalty, an unauthorised skip could delay your project while the issue is resolved.

The easiest way to avoid problems is to arrange your permit before your skip is delivered. At SunSkips, we can confirm whether a permit is required and handle the application on your behalf, helping to ensure your skip is delivered legally and on time. We’re happy to help over the phone or online.

FAQs about skip hire permits

[saswp_tiny_multiple_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”When do I need a skip permit?” answer-0=”<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>It depends on where the skip will be located. A permit is normally only required when a skip is placed on land maintained by the local highway authority, such as a public road or pavement. If there’s enough space to keep the skip entirely on private property, you can usually hire one without needing a permit. </span>” image-0=”” count=”1″ html=”true”]

[saswp_tiny_multiple_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”Who arranges a skip hire permit?” answer-0=”<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>In most areas, the skip hire company applies for the permit directly with the local authority. At SunSkips, we can arrange your skip permit as part of your booking, saving you the hassle of contacting the council yourself.</span>” image-0=”” count=”1″ html=”true”]

[saswp_tiny_multiple_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”How much does a skip permit cost?” answer-0=”<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Skip permit costs vary depending on the local authority. SunSkips charges a flat fee of £110 including VAT, which covers the council’s permit fee and our administration costs.</span>” image-0=”” count=”1″ html=”true”]

[saswp_tiny_multiple_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”Is a skip permit the same as a skip licence?” answer-0=”<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Yes. The terms skip permit and skip licence are commonly used interchangeably. Both refer to the local authority permission required to place a skip on a public road or highway.</span>” image-0=”” count=”1″ html=”true”]

[saswp_tiny_multiple_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”How long does a skip permit last?” answer-0=”<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Most skip permits are valid for between one week and one month, depending on the local authority. If you need the skip for longer, it’s often possible to apply for an extension before the permit expires.</span>” image-0=”” count=”1″ html=”true”]

[saswp_tiny_multiple_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”Can a skip permit be extended? ” answer-0=”<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Yes, in many cases a skip permit can be extended if you need to keep the skip for longer than originally planned. Extension requests usually need to be made before your current permit expires, and additional council fees may apply. </span>” image-0=”” count=”1″ html=”true”]

[saswp_tiny_multiple_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”What happens if I don’t have a skip permit?” answer-0=”<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Placing a skip on a public road without the required permit could result in a fine of up to £1,000, and the local authority may arrange for the skip to be removed.</span>” image-0=”” count=”1″ html=”true”]