Scaffolding and hoarding licences

If you need to place scaffolding or hoarding on or over the public highway, you'll need a licence granted under Section 169 or 172 of the Highways Act 1980.

We reserve the right to refuse requests to place scaffolding or hoarding on the highway - even if payment has been made. A licence must be issued before any apparatus is placed on the highway.

Applying for a licence

Applications to place scaffolding or hoarding on the highway should be made at least 15 working days in advance of the start date required.

A site meeting may be required to discuss the impact of the structure on the highway (we recommend as much advance notice as possible).

Scaffolding licence

You can apply for a scaffolding licence by downloading an application form (PDF, 175kb). We recommend you read the guidance notes (PDF, 80kb) before applying.

Hoarding licence

You can apply for a hoarding licence by downloading an application form (PDF, 353kb). We recommend you read the guidance notes (PDF, 68kb) before applying.

Before starting the application, make sure you have the following documents/information available:

  • a copy of your public liability insurance
  • company bank details and VAT number on letter headed paper (necessary to set your company up on our systems and to pay back any deposits on your account)
  • all relevant site plans or diagrams
  • details of any road closures required to carry out the works (Temporary Traffic Orders require 12 weeks to process to enable a road closure)
  • details of any parking suspensions that are required to carry out the works

Fees

The following license fees apply:

  • £477.30 per month (up to 10 metres in length)
  • £636.40 per month (more than 10 metres in length but less than 50 metres)
  • £864.30 per month (over 50 metres in length)
  • deposit of £100 per metre of highway occupation

Once the application has been reviewed, you'll be contacted with confirmation of the required fees. You can pay online or by telephone.

Emergency scaffold erection

In cases where a scaffold must be erected to mitigate serious safety concerns (immediate risk to life/ immediate and serious risk to property) a scaffold may be erected immediately, but the following conditions must be met:

  1. Read and meet the licence conditions shown in the regular scaffold application form (link to form) In particular, keeping safe pedestrian/traffic flow - the maximum available footway space must be maintained under the scaffold - meeting the minimum if there's more space available is not acceptable. Normal scaffold licence conditions must be met.
  2. The scaffold company must have public liability insurance in place with cover of £10,000,000.
  3. Email highwayslicensing@southwark.gov.uk explaining the situation and specific reason for the emergency as soon as possible. If the scaffold is erected without a valid reason (immediate risk to life/property) a licence will not be issued and the scaffold will occupy the highway illegally.
  4. Apply for the licence using the application form (PDF, 175kb) on the next working day.

Conditions

We'll inspect your site on a regular basis. Your licensed activity must meet our terms and conditions. The terms and conditions must be agreed during your application.

If you have any queries or concerns or require further information, email highwayslicensing@southwark.gov.uk.

Page last updated: 18 April 2023

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