If you wish to carry out an excavation in the public highway to either place private apparatus in the highway or maintain existing apparatus, a licence is required from the council under Section 50 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991

The person granted a Street Works Licence becomes an Undertaker for the purposes of the New Roads & Streetworks Act 1991 and therefore attracts the relevant duties imposed by the Act and associated secondary legislation and Codes of Practice.  The requirements to obtain a Street Works Licence applies to any person or organisation (other than anyone acting under a statutory right) who wishes to place, retain and thereafter inspect, adjust or repair the apparatus.

Any person carrying out excavation works in the highway must be accredited under the SWQR Registration scheme.

Those applicants not familiar with the requirements of this legislation or who do not hold the necessary accreditation are strongly advised to appoint a contractor with the appropriate knowledge and accreditation to help complete the application and conduct the work on their behalf.

Public Liability Insurance must be provided to a minimum of £2 million cover and must be maintained from commencement of the work on the highway up to the end of the guarantee period which is a minimum of 2 years up to a maximum of 3 years

Fees

The cost of a Section 50 Licence is £250 plus any additional defect inspection fees of £47.50 arising from any complaints regarding the quality of the reinstatement.

How to apply

If you wish to apply for a Section 50 Licence please contact us using the telephone number on Contact Highways licensing