Skip Permit - Print version

To place a builders skip on the highway without first applying for and being granted a licence is an offence under the Highways Act 1980 and may result in a prosecution.

The skip owner (supplier) has the responsibility to ensure that skips are positioned on the highway in such a way that they do not cause an obstruction or a danger to other road users. The supplier is responsible for ensuring that all appropriate regulations are adhered to.

Eligibility criteria

If you wish to place a builder's skip on any part of the highway a licence is required from this Council. The highway includes road, pavement and verge.

A licence can be valid for any period between one day and 14 days. For longer periods additional applications should be made.

Each skip shall be positioned (so that its longer sides are parallel to the edge of the carriageway and as near to the edge of the carriageway as is reasonably practicable) so that it does not impede the surface water drainage of the highway nor obstruct access to any manhole or the apparatus of any statutory undertaker or the City Council.  Skips positioned on the footway verge must be placed on timbers to protect the surface.

Full terms and conditions are available. [/downloads/download/3722/skips_terms_and_conditions]

Skips should not be deposited on the highway:

1. within 15 metres of a road junction, within a bus stop or within a school entrance and any associated road markings. 
2. on the zigzag markings associated with zebra, pelican or toucan crossings. 
3. within 25 metres of traffic signals. 
4. in such a position that would obstruct vehicular access to or from premises. 
5. in such a position that would constitute a danger or nuisance to users of the highway. 
6. on verges or footways, other than as previously indicated. 
7. On road humps, speed cushions, speed tables or adjacent to pavement extensions.

Each skip shall at all times be properly lit during the hours of darkness.

Where a skip is placed on a carriageway, bridleway or footpath it shall be properly marked in accordance with the Builders Skips (Markings) Regulations 1984 and the end(s) of the skip facing the flow of traffic shall be painted with bright yellow paint.

Each skip shall be clearly and indelibly marked with the owner's name, telephone number or address.

Where more than one skip is on the highway at any one time, the skips shall be positioned as closely as possible to each other, but not so as to obstruct access to any premises unless the consent of the occupier of those premises has been obtained.

Each skip shall be removed from the highway as soon as is practicable after it has been filled and no later than 2 working days after it has been filled.  All materials contained in a skip shall be properly disposed of and the highway on which the skip stood shall be left in a clean and tidy condition

No skip shall exceed 5 metres in length or 2 metres in width.

No skip shall contain any hazardous, explosive or otherwise dangerous material or any material which is liable to putrification during the period of this consent or is likely to become a nuisance to highway users or to adjoining properties. No skip shall be used in a manner that its contents fall on to the highway.

Apply for a skip permit

Apply online

Apply to place a skip on a public road or highway [/applyskiplicence]

Extend an existing permit

Apply to extend a skip permit on a public road or highway [/applyskiplicence]

Please be aware that although we can accept your application online it may be helpful in some circumstances to ring Traffic Management and talk through what is required. A check will either have to be made on our map based system or a site visit may be required to assess whether it is safe to place a skip in a particular location.

Permission is given subject to conditions as detailed in the licence.

Applications from skip owners will be accepted provided that the skip owner is clearly identified and the owner indemnifies Coventry City Council and meets with its insurance requirements set out below.

Public Liability insurance cover of not less than £5,000,000 is required and we require evidence that such insurance is in force.

Application processing time

We aim to process skip licence requests within three working days.

Tacit consent

Tacit consent does not apply. It is in the public interest that we must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us on the details below.

Submission of a form and payment does not mean permission has been granted and no skips may be put on the highway without a licence being granted first.

Charges

Length of permit

A licence can be valid for any period between one day and 14 days. For longer periods additional applications should be made.

Right of appeal

If your licence request is refused, Please e-mail skiplicences@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:skiplicences@coventry.gov.uk].

Change of circumstances

If the circumstances surrounding your licence change, please contact the Network Coordination team.