Scaffolding and Hoarding Licence

Public safety is paramount and within the construction field that couldn’t be anymore mandatory. 

When carrying out any building work, maintenance, or removing part of a property next to a public road, pavement or rear lane, a scaffolding and hoarding licence is required. This is in accordance with the Highways Act 1980 under Section 169 or 172.

Scaffolding

If you intend to put scaffolding up around a building on the public highway then you need a scaffolding licence.

Once you have applied for a Scaffold Licence, you would then also need to supply a Risk Assessment, Method Statement and Public Liability Insurance.

In some instances, a site meeting may be required with local authorities to discuss the impact of the structure on the highway and local surroundings.

Hoarding

If you plan to put hoarding around a building on the public highway then you need hoarding licence.

Once you have applied for a Hoarding Licence, you would then also need to supply a Risk Assessment, Method Statement and Public Liability Insurance. 

In some instances, a site meeting may be required with local authorities to discuss the impact of the structure on the highway and local surroundings.

To apply for a scaffolding and hoarding licence, all applications must be made via your local council.

Information on how to do this and what local authority to contact can be found on the official UK Government website.

Applications to place scaffolding or hoarding on the highway should be made at least 15 working days in advance of the start date required to allows time for processing of licence and application and site visit if required.

Fines and penalties

Each local authority will have their own individual policies and procedures when applying for a Scaffolding and Hoarding Licence. This also includes set fines and penalties which can range from £500 to £1000.