Application for Licences

From time to time members of the public have a requirement to place objects on the highway or work on the highway.

The Highways Act 1980 makes a specific provision for activities such as Skips and Scaffolding and consent by way of a licence is needed prior to commencement of any activity.

Where there is no specific provision within the Highways Act or associated legislation there is no scope for Hampshire to permit the activity or placement unless other powers can be demonstrated by the body involved.

Activities requiring a Hampshire County Council licence include:

• Placing a Builder's Skip on the Highway

• Erect Scaffolding on the Highway

(both of which are applied for on your behalf by the companies - please contact your local scaffold company or one of our approved skip companies)

• Cultivate Part of the Highway

• Erect Structure/Hoarding on the highway

• Road Opening Licence to Excavate Part of the Highway (Section 171) - Vehicle access / sewer connection etc

• Erect a banner over the highway

• Erect hangs baskets over the highway

• Decorative Lights on/over the highway

• Road Opening Licence to Excavate the Highway to Install Apparatus (Section 50a+b) - Private services such as gas/water/electricity/telecoms/pumps/IT etc

• Deposit Materials on the highway.

• Cable over the highway

• Ramps/Steps on the public highway

The following licences are available via you local District/Borough Council:

• Bench/Tables/Chairs/Noticeboards/Bus shelters

• Trading on the highway

• Roundabout sponsorship

All licences are available for specified periods, please see conditions of individual licences. If you are unsure which licence to use please contact us for advice.

There are two ways to apply for a licence from Hampshire County Council:

• Online Form - fill in all the details and send electronically. We will then send you a printed licence application in the post for signature and return.

• Printable Form - fill in all the details and return it to your local highways unit.

If permitted by law, the costs incurred by Hampshire County Council in dealing with the licence application can be recovered and there will be a charge on the applicant.

The required level of Public Liability Insurance for all licences is currently £10 million pounds.  

Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view some of the licence forms.