Are banners allowed on the public highway?
The fixing or placing of banners over the highway is unlawful without having first obtained the consent from us as the highway authority.
Consent will not be given to any banner containing direct commercial or sponsorship advertising. The fixing of banners to trees or street furniture is also not allowed.
Charitable organisations may apply to us, as the highway authority, for a licence to place a banner over/across the highway, but not on pedestrian guardrails except for designated sites.
The purpose of banners is to provide effective publicity for local charitable, cultural and educational events. Promotion of these events and activities should be both appropriate and of benefit to Surrey and the surrounding area, with minimal environmental impact. Activities and events should serve both local population and visitors to the area without prejudice.
How do I apply for a banner to be erected on pedestrian guardrails?
If you wish to apply for a banner to be erected on pedestrian guardrails in one of the
designated sites, please first read the guidance notes below and apply by downloading and completing the application form below. If you have any queries regarding designated sites, please contact the
highways office.
How do I apply for a banner to be erected over or alongside the road?
If you wish to erect an overhead banner, please first read the guidance notes below and apply by downloading and completing the application form below. If you have any queries regarding designated sites, please contact the
highways office.
A request to place a banner over the highway must be made six weeks before the date of the proposed installation. This will give sufficient time to process the application and resolve any difficulties that may arise with the siting and the paperwork.
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What information or documentation is required for an overhead banner?
The application must be accompanied by the following essential information:
- Proposed location of banner.
- Date of installation and date of complete removal.
- Certified copy of current certificate of public liability insurance of £5 million.
- Diagram of banner fully dimensioned including lettering.
- The contact details of the applicant, i.e. their fixed and mobile telephone numbers, e-mail address and postal address, so that they can be contacted 24 hours a day.
- Method statement for installation, maintenance and removal of banner using approved council contractor.
- Copy of written consent from the owner(s) of the fixing points to use them.
- Copy of the current structural adequacy certificate (obtained from owners of the fixing points).
What are the terms and conditions for an overhead banner?
Applicants must read and comply with the terms and conditions of the
Highways Act 1980, section 178, when applying for overhead banners to be erected. These centre on the fixing, placement, maintenance and removal of banners.
The purpose of the terms and conditions in the Act, is to prevent, as far as possible, damage and injury to persons using the highway, which might arise if the placing of banners was unregulated.
The requirements are thought to be fair and reasonable, bearing in mind the need to protect the public and the applicant, and also in the event of any claim arising as a consequence of placement.
Can a request for a banner to be erected turned down?
There may be circumstances in which we might refuse to give consent. In which case the reasons for refusal will be clearly given.
We also reserve the right to remove banners should they be illegally placed or unsafe. The cost of doing so will be recovered from the applicant.
What if I have any queries, concerns or complaints?
If you have queries, concerns or complaints about the licence, you can contact us via our contact centre either
online or by telephone. For further details on logging a
comment, compliment or complaints please see our website.
If you have any queries, concerns or complaints about the location or safety of materials on the public highway, please either contact our contact centre by telephone or report them online.
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