I once had a skip placed on the road outside a job without realising the skip company had not applied for the permit. The first I knew about it was a letter from the council informing me that an unlicensed skip had been placed on the public highway and I should expect a fine. The skip company had assumed I was handling the permit; I had assumed they were. The fine was waived when we produced the booking date evidence, but it was a frustrating afternoon.
Always confirm in writing who is applying for the permit before the skip is delivered.
When do you need a permit?
The rule is simple:
- Skip on private land (your drive, private car park, private land you own or have permission to use): No permit required.
- Skip on a public road, pavement or verge: Permit required under the Highways Act 1980.
A skip placed even partially on a public highway - a kerb, the road surface, or a public pavement - requires a permit.
Who applies for the permit?
In practice, the skip hire company almost always applies for the permit. When you book, tell them the skip will be on the road and they will arrange it. The cost is added to your invoice.
However, in law, it is the owner of the skip (the hire company) who must hold the permit. If your company does not apply, they are in breach, not you. But practically speaking, disputes about who should have applied are not worth having.
At the time of booking, confirm:
- That the skip will be on a public road
- That the company will apply for the permit
- The cost of the permit (ask for it itemised on the quote)
Permit costs by region
| Area | Typical permit cost |
|---|---|
| Most UK towns | £20-40 |
| London boroughs | £40-80 |
| Major city centres | £40-70 |
The permit covers a specified period (typically 14 days) and a specific location (road, bay or section of pavement).
Skip safety requirements on public roads
A skip on a public road must comply with the Highways Act requirements:
- Lights. The skip must have amber warning lights displayed at night. Most skip companies fit these as standard.
- Reflective markings. The skip must have reflective tape on all visible sides.
- Cones. Two warning cones placed in front of and behind the skip.
- Visible colour. Most skips are yellow or orange for visibility.
Your skip hire company is responsible for ensuring the skip meets these requirements.
How to avoid needing a permit
The easiest way to avoid the permit is to put the skip on private land:
- Move a car off the drive. A standard car can be parked on the street for the duration, leaving the drive clear for the skip.
- Ask a neighbour. If you do not have a drive, could a neighbour with a drive accommodate the skip in exchange for some help with their own project?
- Use a smaller skip on a paved front garden. Some properties have paved front gardens that count as private land.
The permit cost is usually modest, but avoiding it saves time and removes a variable from the booking.
Restricted access roads and zones
In some locations, skip delivery is complicated by:
- Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ). Many urban areas have CPZs where the council may require additional notice or conditions for a skip.
- Conservation areas. Some conservation areas have restrictions on skip placement.
- Narrow roads. Where skip delivery lorries cannot safely pass, the skip company will advise.
- Double yellow lines. Placing a skip on double yellows may require additional council approval.
Your skip hire company will know the local rules and advise when booking.
My tips on skip permits
Always declare the location when booking. If you book without mentioning the skip will be on the road, the permit will not be applied for. When the council spots an unlicensed skip (and they do inspect), the consequences fall on the skip company but also create hassle for you.
Book with enough lead time for the permit. If your work starts on Monday and you need the skip Friday, a permit application on Thursday will not work in most areas. Book at least a week ahead if a road permit is needed.
Specify the location precisely. When applying for a permit, the skip company needs the exact bay or road location. Have the address and a description of where on the road the skip will go.
Check the permit dates match your hire. Permits are issued for a specific period. If your job runs over and the permit expires, you need an extension. The skip company should handle this, but confirm.
Use the Skip Size Calculator to find the right skip size before booking.