The thought of house renovations, construction projects, or even a major spring clean can be daunting, not only because of the work itself but because of the waste it generates. A skip becomes essential in such situations. But, if you’re considering placing it on the road, you may wonder, “Do I need permission to do so?” This article will delve into the requirements and considerations surrounding the placement of skips on public roads in the UK.
Understanding the Legalities
When it comes to placing a skip on the public highway, yes, you do need permission, this is called a ‘skip permit’ or ‘skip licence’, and it’s essential for anyone wanting to put a skip on a road, pavement, or any other public space.
Who Should Obtain the Permit?
Normally, it’s the responsibility of the skip hire company to get the required permit. Most reputable companies include this as part of their service, handling the paperwork and liaising with the local council on your behalf. However, it’s always a good idea to confirm this when booking. If your skip hire company doesn’t offer this service, you will need to contact your local council directly.
What’s the Duration of a Skip Permit?
The duration can vary, but generally, a skip permit lasts for 28 days. If you find that your project is running longer than anticipated and you need the skip for an extended period, you’ll need to apply for a renewal.
Factors Considered for Permit Approval
The council will consider various factors when approving a skip permit:
Location: The skip shouldn’t cause any obstruction. It must not block access to utilities, driveways, or impede pedestrians’ movement.
Safety Measures: The skip should have clear markings, especially at night. This often includes reflective markings, traffic cones, and safety lamps to warn oncoming traffic.
Size of the Skip: There are restrictions on the size of skips allowed on public roads, ensuring they don’t pose any risk to drivers or pedestrians.
Costs Involved
Skip permit costs vary across different councils. On average, you can expect to pay between £20 to £100. However, this amount can change based on the location and the duration you need the permit.
What If I Have Private Land?
If you have a driveway or private land where the skip can be placed, then you typically won’t need a permit. However, it’s still crucial to ensure that the skip doesn’t pose any hazards or block public paths.
Penalties for Non-compliance
Placing a skip on a public road without the necessary permit can lead to substantial fines. Moreover, the council has the right to remove the skip, and you might have to bear the removal costs. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, so it’s essential to be informed and proactive.
Benefits of Complying with Regulations
Avoiding Unnecessary Costs: By obtaining the correct permit, you avoid potential fines and the inconvenience of having the skip removed.
Safety: Adhering to the guidelines ensures that the skip is safely placed, reducing the risk of accidents.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that you’re compliant means one less thing to worry about during your project.
In conclusion, if you’re thinking of placing a skip on a public road in the UK, obtaining the necessary permission is both a legal requirement and a practical consideration. Compliance ensures the safety of pedestrians, drivers, and also protects you from potential legal ramifications.
Hire a Skip With Williams a Williams
At Williams and Williams, we apply for a permit for you when you hire a skip with us if it needs to be placed on a public road. If you would like to hire a skip you can either book online or call our team on 01766 810223.
Skip Hire Locations We Cover
As a leading provider of skip hire services in North West Wales, we provide the following locations with skip hire services:
Skip Hire Bala | Skip Hire Barmouth | Skip Hire Harlech | Skip Hire Pwllheli | Skip Hire Bangor | Skip Hire Blaenau Ffestiniog | Skip Hire Caernarfon | Skip Hire Dolgellau | Skip Hire Tywyn | Skip Hire Porthmadog
