Highway Licence for Temporary Obstructions
Placing building materials, equipment, or temporary structures such as hoardings or scaffolding on the public highway requires obtaining a Highway Licence from us.
This licencing requirement ensures that temporary use of the highway is safe, coordinated, and does not create unnecessary obstructions. It ensures secure and orderly storage of materials without causing hazards, maintains accessibility for pedestrians and vehicles, and supports effective coordination with other street activities.
Through this process, we help preserve the safety, integrity, and shared use of public spaces during construction or renovation works.
Examples of items requiring permission include:
- cranes or cherry pickers
- hoardings or site fencing
- scaffolding or access towers
- temporary builders’ crossings for site access
- stored building materials (e.g. bricks, timber, piping)
- construction equipment or machinery
- tools, generators, or welfare units
- any other structure or item that may obstruct the highway
Application for a licence must be made if:
- the structure will encroach upon any part of the public highway
- work on a private building affects pedestrian or vehicle access
- the structure is intended to remain in place overnight or for more than a few hours
Important to Note
A Highway Licence is required for any temporary structure or obstruction (e.g. hoardings, scaffolding, skips) that occupies space on the highway without excavation.
Materials cannot be placed on the carriageway of a classified road. Please check the category of your proposed site before applying: Classified roads.
Licence application fees are non-refundable. Additional charges may apply for site inspections and a refundable deposit, calculated based on the risk and location. For full fee and deposit details, see our application fees and timescales webpage.
If no damage is found after the works, the deposit will be refunded in full. If damage is identified, repair costs will be deducted. Once works are complete, a final inspection will be carried out and deposit returned.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via MySouthend: https://www.southend.gov.uk/xfp/form/156
As part of the application process, the applicant must provide the following:
- the proposed location and dimensions
- start and end dates
- a site plan or sketch
- contractor details
- proof of public liability insurance (minimum £10 million)
Additional safety measures, such as lighting, signage, or barriers, may be required depending on the location.
Applications must be submitted online via MySouthend: https://www.southend.gov.uk/xfp/form/156.
Please allow at least 28 days to process your application (more or less time may be required depending on the complexity of the application). If you will require a road closure, please allow 3 months to formally process your application in line with major works.
What Happens Next
We will assess your application and provide a licence that outlines permitted dates and safety requirements. You must display the licence on-site and comply with all conditions. We reserve the right to refuse applications or require modifications if there are safety concerns or conflicting activities.
Amendments and Extensions to Approved Permits
If you need to change the details of an approved highway permit, such as extending the end date, amending the location, or updating contractor information, you must contact us as soon as possible.
Permit variations may include:
- extension of the authorised duration
- change to the structure type or dimensions
- substitution of contractor or insurance provider
- additional inspection charges may apply
Requests must be submitted at least 5 working days before the existing permit expires. Failure to do so may result in removal of items or enforcement action.
If any amendments or extensions are required, please request this through the MySouthend application.
Further Information
Where an installation will obstruct the highway or restrict vehicle/pedestrian access, a TTRO may also be required. Please visit our webpage on temporary changes to the public highway and footway for more information.