Placing skips, scaffolding and mobile elevated work platforms in the public highway 

What is a skip, scaffolding or mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) licence?

A skip, scaffolding or MEWPs licence allows a contractor to deposit skips or scaffolding, or use MEWPS, on adopted highway. Adopted highway is maintained at public expense and is not privately owned.

To apply for consideration of a licence you must:

• be a registered contractor (skip and scaffolding contractors only)
• have valid public liability insurance up to £5 million for the full licence period
• have agreed to the terms and conditions of the licence 
• make payment online using a debit or credit card. 

Consideration does not guarantee that a licence will be issued. Refunds cannot be issued if a licence is not granted. 

Health and safety information

Find more information on the Health and Safety Executive website about the following:

• Skip hire and waste transfer (external website)
• Scaffolding (external website)
• Mobile elevating working platforms (MEWPs) (external website).

How do I apply for consideration of a licence?

For consideration of a hoarding or crane licence please email streetworks@eastriding.gov.uk.

If you wish to challenge a licence rejection please email streetworks@eastriding.gov.uk.

Does consideration cost more for a location with parking restrictions?

If you intend to place a skip or container in a location that has parking restrictions in force, our parking operations team may also need to consider your application. An additional charge of £26 for consideration of parking suspension is payable when you submit the online form.

Parking restrictions that incur this charge include:

• time limited waiting bays
• residential bays
• single yellow lines
• double yellow lines. 

Pay and display bays

The standard charge for consideration of parking suspension does not apply to pay and display bays. After you have submitted the form, we will calculate the amount due and take payment separately.

Please note: charges for pay and display bays can be substantial and permission is not always granted.

Loading bays and taxi bays

You cannot place a skip or container in a loading bay or taxi bay.

How long is the licence valid for, how much does it cost and what notice do you need?

Skip or container

Scaffolding or MEWPs

What information do I need to provide when I apply for consideration?

Skip or container

You need the following information to complete the online form: 

• contractor number, that starts with 2 letters followed by 3 numbers
• contractor email address
• size of skip if 12 cubic yards or less in size
• dimensions of a container of 13 cubic yards or more in size (length x width x height in yards)
• existing licence number, if applying for a renewal
• location on the adopted highway where the skip or container is to be placed.  Check the FindMyStreet website. 

Please note: skips should only be placed on unadopted highway with the permission of the developer or land owner.

Scaffolding

You need the following information to complete the online form: 

• contractor number, that starts with 2 letters followed by 3 numbers
• contractor email address
• existing licence number, if applying for a renewal
  
• location on the adopted highway where the scaffolding is to be placed. Check the FindMyStreet website. Scaffolding should only be placed on unadopted highway with the permission of the developer or land owner.

You'll need to tell us the full details of your scaffolding requirements, such as:

• length, width and height in metres (please be as accurate as possible)
• structure type and purpose
• any road closure requirements

  Please note: if the existing foundations haven't been surveyed, you'll need to upload your scaffolding plan in the form. 

Mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs)

You need the following information to complete the online form: 

• existing licence number, if applying for a renewal
• location on the adopted highway where the MEWPs is to be placed. Check the FindMyStreet website.
• proof of valid public liability insurance up to £5 million for the full licence period (you will need to upload this in the form). 

Please note: MEWPs should only be placed on unadopted highway with the permission of the developer or land owner.

How can I apply to be a registered skip or scaffolding contractor?

Please note: if you are a MEWPs contractor you do not need to register.

I’m already registered but my details have changed, how do I let you know?

You need to make sure the information we hold about your company are all up to date. This includes your waste carrier registration details (if relevant) and public liability insurance documents.

Email your current documents and details of any changes to streetworks@eastriding.gov.uk.

What happens if I don’t have a valid licence?

If you do not a valid licence you can be charged as follows: