20-10-2022

Do I Need a Permit for a Skip?

If you're hiring a skip, and are placing it on the public roadside, you will need a skip permit (or skip license). Please read our blog to find out all you need to know about skip permit rules and regulations for skip hire.

 

Skip Permit Rules and Regulations

If you want to hire a skip and know the skip size, you now need to choose the skip location. This is usually a driveway to a property, a business site, or a public highway (on the road outside a property). The location of the skip will determine if a skip permit is required or not.

You don’t need a skip permit, also known as a skip licence, if you’re putting the skip entirely on private land (driveway or yard). We would still advise you to inform your neighbours or landlord of any skip hire and to be courteous to them. Check that your skip can be delivered to your chosen space safely without disturbing property or walls.

You may also want to check your lease, and if it affects access to other areas such as neighbouring gardens or sheds.

However, if you need to locate a skip on any public highway (which includes roads and pavements), you will need to have a skip hire permit. 

Not having a skip permit is unlawful. You could be fined, and the skip removed at any time. This applies to any area within the UK.

 

HIRE A SKIP

 

Why do I need a skip permit?

It is illegal for a skip to be on a public highway without a permit. If you do not have a skip permit, your skip can be removed without notice and you may also be liable for a fine of up to £1000.

Skip permits exist to control the number of skips on a road at any one time, and also to ensure the road is safe to have a skip on. The traffic still needs to be able to flow safely, and pedestrians must be able to get past walking on the pavement.

Skip placement cannot endanger any road users, block property access, or reduce highway width or visibility (for example at a junction). It must also limit as little parking as possible, especially in residential or business areas.

When you are granted a skip permit, it is essentially an agreement that you will follow all of the rules and regulations put in place by the local authorities to keep you and the public safe and cause minimal disruption.

 

How long do skip permits last?

This depends on the local council. Usually, it is between one and two weeks. This minimises the disruption caused. Most councils will be able to extend your permit if needed, for an additional fee. Contact your local council, your skip hire company, or Speedy if you need an extension.

This time frame should be plenty for most jobs, however. If you do have a skip for longer than the permit allows, you can be fined.

 

How much do skip permits cost?

This depends on your local area and the council charges. It can depend on factors such as the size of the skip, the duration of the skip hire, and even the size of your borough. Larger boroughs may be able to offer cheaper prices, for instance.

Before you hire a skip from Speedy, you can view the permit cost and add it to your basket alongside the order. The cost of hire and the cost of the permit will be combined at checkout, with a breakdown of full costs.

 

What is a parking suspension fee?

If your skip is in a controlled parking zone (CPZ), such as residents' parking, public parking, or metered parking spaces, you will need a parking suspension fee.

This isn't just a matter of paying for parking every day. It is a separate charge to cover additional fees and any loss of council income, for example. Fees can vary dramatically based on where your skip is - a London CPZ could be as much as £100 per day. It is a daily charge which can be arranged through the council or whoever owns the parking space/land.

 

Skip Permit Application

When you hire a skip from Speedy, it is the hirer's responsibility to make sure the correct skip permit is obtained. If ordering online, you can click the ‘Add Permit’ option to confirm the addition of the skip permit when you place your skip hire order. The skip hire company we use will then arrange the permit.

If you do not agree to the addition of the skip permit if the desired location is a public highway, we are unable to deliver your skip and place it on a public highway, pavement, or pathway. 

Cancellation charges may apply if skip delivery is attempted to a location where a skip permit is required but not in place.

If you are unsure if a skip permit is required, please give us a call on 0345 600 3546 we will be happy to help you with your skip hire enquiry.

 

Are there any additional rules about skip permits?

Depending on your area and local council rules there may be some restrictions on the skip size that can be placed on a public highway.

Usually, the largest skip size allowed on a public highway is an 8 Yard Skip, also known as a builders’ skip. An 8-yd skip that holds 60-80 bin bags is a popular choice of skip for building projects and is also ideally suited for larger domestic projects and property clearances.

Under the Highways Act 1980, Section 139 states that a builders’ skip shall not be deposited on a highway without the permission of the highway authority for the highway.

 

HIRE A SKIP

 

Is there skip hire near me?

Thank you for reading our skip permit blog, we hope you have found it useful.

Please contact Speedy Skip Hire today on 0345 600 3546 to enquire about hiring a skip.

At Speedy Skip Hire we have got a great range of skips available, we will be happy to recommend the best skips for your needs.

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