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Skip permit guidance and conditions

Terms and conditions for a permit for a skip on the highway

Introduction and background

This document sets out Herefordshire Council's policy and conditions for issuing a permit to place a skip on the highway, in accordance with Section 139 and 140 of Highways Act 1980

Permission is required from the highway authority under Section 139 of the Highways Act 1980.

Application for permit

The application must be submitted a minimum of 5 days before the skip needs to be placed.

Where an A or B class road or where parking may be an issue, a longer period should be allowed (as on application form).

You can apply and pay online for a skip permit.

Placing a skip on the highway without a permit is an offence. Herefordshire Council reserve the right to take legal proceedings. At its discretion, it may issue a retrospective permit at extra cost to cover the additional administration incurred.

Standard conditions

  • The skip shall not exceed 5m in length by 2m in width.
  • Skips will be marked in accordance with the Builders Skips (Markings) Regulations 1984.
  • The skip shall be positioned so that the longer sides are parallel to the edge of the carriageway and as near to the edge as reasonably practicable.
  • The skip shall not be placed within a distance of 20m from a road junction, on a
    bend or on the crest of a hill.
  • The skip shall be positioned so that it does not impede surface water drainage or
    obstruct access to any manhole or to the apparatus of any statutory undertaker.
  • No skip shall be placed on single or double yellow lines.
  • No skip when standing on the highway, shall contain any inflammable, offensive, noxious or dangerous materials or any material which is like likely to putrefy or which otherwise is or likely to become a nuisance.
  • During use the contents of the skip shall be kept "damped down" to prevent nuisance from dust and any spillage on the highway shall be removed immediately. Loose material should be sheeted.
  • Every skip shall be removed for emptying as soon as practicable, and, in any case not later than 2 working days after it has been filled.
  • At any time, the skip must be removed from the highway or repositioned if required by either the police or a representative of Herefordshire Council.
  • No skip shall remain on the highway pursuant to the permit, after the period of this permit has expired.
  • All materials placed in the skip shall be properly disposed of and the highway shall be left in a clean and tidy condition on the expiration of the permit.
  • Tacit consent does not apply. You must not assume that if you have not heard anything, that the permit has been granted. You must not place the skip until you know the permit has been granted.
  • Any damage to the highway must be repaired to the satisfaction of the Network Regulation Manager or his representative at the expense of the skip company.
  • The persons carrying out the work must be insured for a sum of £5million to cover third party liabilities. This must be available for inspection on request.
  • Any and all permits required for work affecting the highway, such as temporary traffic lights, must be applied for, and the permits granted, before any work is commenced.
  • The provision of any temporary traffic lights which may be necessary will require separate approval. An application form can be obtained by calling 01432 261800 or emailing streetworks@herefordshire.gov.uk
  • The placing of any skip or any other work carried out on the public highway must comply with the Traffic Signs Manual, Chapter 8 (Parts 1 and 2) and the Code of Practice for Safety at Street Works. The following sections in particular are relevant, although other parts are equally applicable.

Extract from the Traffic Signs Regulations Chapter 8, Part 2

O3.29 Builders' skips

O3.29.1 Roadside containers, also known as 'builder's skips' should comply with the requirements of Appendix 4.1. They may only be deposited on the highway for the temporary storage of builder's materials, rubbish etc, with the prior written approval of the local highway authority.

O3.29.2 The Builders Skips (Markings) Regulations 1984 require that any builder's skip which is deposited on the highway (unless it is placed entirely on a footway or verge) must be fitted with vertical red fluorescent and yellow reflective markings on each end. The design and fitting of these markings are prescribed in Schedules 1 and 2 of these Regulations.

O3.29.3 Where permission is given for skips to be placed on the footway and verges then provision should be made for pedestrians.

O3.29.4 During the hours of darkness the skip must be lit by means of warning lights at each corner. See Section O4.7 on the use of warning lights. The skips may also be guarded by a line of cones at 1.2m centres (detail B) on the approach side set at 45° to the edge of the carriageway. During the hours of darkness, a warning light must be placed on each cone in accordance with Section O4 .7.

Extract from Traffic Signs Regulations Chapter 8, Appendix A4

Appendix 4.1 - Specification for builders' skips

Highways Act 1980 - Section 139

A4.1.1 Bulk containers for use on the highway for the disposal of building materials, rubbish or other things shall comply with the appropriate Motor Vehicles Construction and Use Regulations when carried on a vehicle.

A4.1.2 The container shall not exceed 5m in length by 2m in width.

A4.1.3 The use of bulk containers on the highway shall be in accordance with this Chapter.

A4.1.4 The ends of the containers shall be marked as follows:

  • The ends of skips shall be painted yellow; and
  • Markings in accordance with the Builders Skips (Markings) Regulations 1984 (SI 1984 No. 1933) and with the Specification BS AU 152 shall be provided adjacent to the outer edge of each end of the container.

A4.1.5 Provision shall be made for at least four lamps (one at each corner) to be fixed securely to the container or suspended from the corners.

A4.1.6 The container shall be clearly and permanently marked with the owner's name and telephone number or address.