Terms and conditions for skip permits

Before placing a skip on the highway, the person hiring a skip or the skip company must get a permit from us.

You should apply and have the permit before placing the skip on the highway. There is a fee to pay. 

If you apply for a permit after the skip is in place it will cost more and you could be prosecuted for not getting a permit beforehand.

The do's

• The skip must have fluorescent red and yellow diagonal lines sign at both ends.
• During the night the skip must be lit with at least one yellow lamp on the side nearest the traffic.
• Cones must be used to mark out the skip for traffic. Place three cones in a diagonal line at the end facing oncoming traffic. You could also use a keep right sign.
• Keep the skip clean and tidy. Any materials falling from the skip onto the highway should be cleaned up straight away.
• The skip needs to be clearly marked with the owners name and telephone number or address.
• Valid public liability insurance is required, this must be for at least £5 million.
• A valid waste carrier licence is required.
• You must repair any damage caused to the highway or the highway verge once the skip is gone. 

Each skip must be placed on the highway with the longest side of the skip parallel to the highway. At the same time the skip should be as near the side of the highway as possible without blocking anything such as drains. There must be at least three and a half metres of road clear next to the skip.

Permits are valid for 28 days. If you need more time you must apply at least 48 hours before the original permit runs out.

The don'ts

• A skip must not be more than five metres long and two metres wide.
• The skip must not block any road or footpath.
• A skip must not have dangerous materials stored in them or items that could cause disturbance to those using the highway such as dusty material.
• The skip should not be filled above the edge. As soon as it reaches the edges of the skip it's classed as full. When a skip is full you should notify the skip company within one day. The skip company then have one day to remove the skip. A full skip must not be left for more than two days.

We can change the conditions of a permit whilst it's in use. If the skip becomes a problem to highway users the council or the police can ask for it to be moved.

It is a criminal offence not to get a skip permit or to break the rules relating to skips. We can take you to court and prosecute for not following the rules. The rules apply to the company providing the skip, the person hiring the skip and the people using the skip. If you are ever in any doubt about what the rules are or what something means get in touch.

Terms and conditions for skip permits (PDF)