Once you’ve decided to hire a skip, you need to consider where it will be placed. We aren’t all blessed with acres of space if any, that we could reasonably expect a skip to fit in.
This will leave you needing to place the skip on the road or someone else’s land, so a skip permit might be required.
But when exactly do you need one, and what are skip permits?
We’ve put together a short guide to answer any questions, so you’ll know what they are and when you need one.
When do I need a skip permit?
Skip permits are required for all skips that are to be placed on a public highway. The permit must be obtained from the local council, and it specifies the dates during which the skip can be placed on the road and the maximum size of the skip.
There might be some rare occasions when a skip can be placed on a road without a licence, but most skip hire companies will find this out for you.
If you’re placing the skip on private land, you don’t need to get a permit, providing you have the land owner’s permission.
How do I get a skip permit?
Most skip hire companies will arrange the permit, but there may be some regional variation. When hiring your skip, you’ll have this explained, so you probably won’t need to worry about it.
You can find more information on the GOV.UK skip licence application page.
Is a skip allowed on the pavement?
If the pavement is privately owned and you have the landowner’s permission, you can put a skip on the pavement.
In most cases, the pavement will belong to the local council, and you need a skip permit to place a skip on council property. Most councils won’t allow skips to be placed on pavements.
Can you put a skip on a shared driveway?
You can put a skip on a shared driveway, providing you have the owner’s written permission in the form of an email or letter confirming they’re happy for you to put it there.
Have a chat with the owners, explain what you want to do, and how long the skip will be there and ask them if they’re happy for you to do it.
You’ll need to ensure that anyone who needs access still has it, or, failing that, confirm they don’t need access for the duration of your skip hire.
Can I put a skip on the road?
You can put a skip on a UK road, providing you have a skip permit from the local council. If it’s not a public road and is owned privately, you’ll need to speak with the landowner. There are a few safety considerations, but we’ll go over those later in the article.
What is the largest skip you can put on the road?
The skip size will depend on the road and its surroundings. The council will assess if it’s safe and, if so, what size skip is permitted.
How long can you keep a skip?
The time you can keep the skip will depend on the skip permit and the hire company. We typically allow up to two weeks, but most councils will want the skip on the road for the shortest amount of time possible.
You can specify the required time when booking your skip, and most companies will check and confirm that it’s possible for you.
Do skips have to have lights?
When you get your skip permit, it should inform you about safety lights and any other precautions you should take. Typically you’ll want some combination of night-time lights, traffic cones, or reflective markings.
Your skip hire company should provide these for you, but if you’re in doubt, feel free to ask.
What happens if I don’t have a permit or safety lights?
A skip placed on the road without a permit, or the proper safety equipment, can result in a fine of up to £1000.
A skip hire company should provide you with any information you need. We’ll communicate this to you, so you don’t need to worry about it when hiring from Norris.
What are parking suspension costs?
If you’re having a skip placed on a road used for parking, you may need to pay an additional fee.
How much do skip permits cost?
The cost of a skip permit varies depending on your council. If you’re hiring a skip from a company, they will usually arrange the permit for you and include the cost in the overall price.
Skip permits cost varies depending on your area. If you live in a big city, the cost of a skip permit can be slightly higher. However, the skip permit cost may not be significantly lower if you live in a smaller town or city. Many factors can affect the price of a skip permit. The size of the skip, the length of time you need it, and its location all play a role in the cost.
We hope you have all the information you need on skip permits, so If you’re looking to hire a skip or need help picking the right size, check out our skip selector, or feel free to get in touch.
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