Paving Licenses

Paving Licenses

Complete Guidance for Clients Requiring Scaffolding on Public Land

White’s Scaffolding Ltd regularly provides scaffolding solutions that require placement on, over or near public highways. When this happens, a Highway Licence (also known as a Pavement Licence or Scaffold Permit) is legally required before any scaffold can be erected. This page explains exactly what that means, how the process works, and how we handle everything for you from start to finish.

Why Highway Licences Are Essential

When scaffolding is positioned on or above public land — whether it’s a narrow pavement, roadside, footpath, verge or shared access route — it becomes a potential obstruction to the public. UK law requires a licence to:

• Control how the space is used
• Ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists
• Maintain essential access routes
• Guarantee that the scaffold meets strict safety and lighting standards

Local authorities monitor and enforce these requirements. Erecting scaffolding without permission may result in:

• Fines for the property owner and/or contractor
• Forced removal of the scaffold
• Delays to your project
• Reputational or legal consequences

A licence protects both the public and your project from unnecessary risk.

When Do You Need a Highway Licence?

You must obtain a licence if any part of your scaffolding:

• Sits directly on a public pavement or roadway
• Overhangs public land (even slightly)
• Restricts or redirects pedestrian/vehicle movement
• Is accessed via public land
• Requires safety lighting or barriers within a public space

You may not need a licence if the scaffold:

• Sits 100% on private land, and
• Does not overhang the public footpath or road

In many cases, clients are unsure whether their scaffold requires licensing. That’s why White’s Scaffolding Ltd carries out a free site assessment to confirm what permissions are needed.

What the Licence Covers

A Highway Licence grants legal permission to occupy or overhang part of the public highway for a set period. It typically covers:

• Location and footprint of the scaffold
• Duration of occupation
• Required protective measures (lighting, barriers, signage)
• Access arrangements for pedestrians
• Traffic management considerations
• Conditions that must be met daily while the scaffold is in place

Once approved, the licence allows the scaffold to remain in place for the permitted timeframe, provided ongoing safety inspections and conditions are met.

How White’s Scaffolding Ltd Handles the Entire Process

We remove all the stress from our clients by managing the licence application completely on your behalf. Our service includes:

1. On‑Site Assessment

• We visit your property or project location.
• We measure pavement widths, traffic flow and access requirements.
• We check nearby structures, driveways, shopfronts and hazards.

2. Preparation of All Documentation

We produce all paperwork required by the council, including:

• Scaled drawings and layout plans
• Risk Assessments & Method Statements (RAMS)
• Details of scaffold type, height, duration and fixtures
• Pedestrian or traffic management requirements
• Public liability insurance documentation

3. Submission to the Local Authority

We handle:

• The full application submission
• Monitoring and responding to council queries
• Adjustments required during review

4. Management of Fees and Renewals

Every council has different charges and timeframes. We ensure:

• Correct fees are paid on time
• Extensions or renewals are processed before expiry
• Compliance is maintained throughout your project

5. Safe Erection of the Scaffold

Once the licence is granted, we:

• Erect the scaffold to NASC TG20:21 standards
• Install required lighting, signage and guarding
• Conduct ongoing inspections (weekly + after adverse weather)

This full end‑to‑end service ensures complete legal compliance and minimal disruption.

Typical Licence Conditions You Must Follow

While each council sets its own conditions, you can typically expect:

• A minimum footpath width to remain accessible (usually 1.2m or more)
• Mandatory lighting after dark
• Warning signs and protective barriers
• No obstruction of entrances, emergency exits or utilities
• Daily safety checks by the scaffolding contractor
• Protection for vulnerable road users

Failure to comply can result in licence revocation, fines or forced removal — which is why we take these requirements extremely seriously.

How Long Does the Licence Take to Approve?

Most councils require 5–10 working days, but busy periods or complex locations may take longer.

Emergency works can sometimes be fast‑tracked — contact us to check availability.

Costs and Fees

Licence fees vary between councils and depend on:

• Duration of scaffold placement
• Size and footprint of the scaffold
• Location (city centre vs rural)
• Traffic impact
• Whether lighting or traffic management is required

We provide clear guidance on costs once we complete your site assessment.

Why Choose White’s Scaffolding Ltd?

• Experienced in handling council licence applications across multiple authorities
• Fully qualified, insured and compliant with industry standards
• Reliable, safe and professional scaffold erection
• Fast turnaround to minimise project delays
• Transparent communication throughout your project
• Local knowledge of Salisbury, Wiltshire, Hampshire and surrounding areas

We make the entire licensing process simple, safe and fully compliant.

Need a Highway Licence? Let Us Handle Everything.

Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, business owner or property manager, White’s Scaffolding Ltd can secure your licence and erect safe, compliant scaffolding quickly.

Email: info@whitesscaffolding.co.uk
Phone: 01722 398439
Location: Unit 5, White Hill Farm, Pitton, Salisbury, SP5 1DY

Get in touch today to book your free site assessment and ensure your project stays safe, legal and on schedule.