Page contents
- Do you require a licence to erect scaffolding and hoarding?
- What documentation is required?
- How do you apply for a licence?
- What are the terms and conditions?
- How much does the licence cost?
- What if you have any queries, concerns or complaints?
Do you require a licence to erect scaffolding and hoarding
A scaffolding and hoarding licence is required for any scaffold or hoarding that is erected or encroaches on the public highway.
Surrey County Council has agreements with Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (for Epsom Market Place only) and Woking Borough Council (for Woking town centre only) for building materials licences to be issued by them. Please contact the relevant Borough Council if you wish to make an application in either of these specific areas.
What documentation is required?
Please provide all the following information along with your application:
- A copy of your Public Liability Insurance for a minimum of £10 million in respect of any one incident
- Confirmation of how many metres of footway will be available for pedestrian use
- A traffic management plan (required where 1.2 metre of footway cannot be maintained)
- A drawing of the layout of the scaffolding/hoarding structure. This should be labelled with dimensions, show where the structure will be in relation to the building, and also show street features immediately around the structure such as the pavement, street lights and road.
Drawing guidance
Your drawing should be an overhead view (add a side view if possible), clearly showing the following:
- labelled dimensions (width of footway, width of scaffolding, width of space left for pedestrians to pass)
- how your scaffolding is going to occupy the footway
- a safe unobstructed route for pedestrians at least 1.2 metres wide
- which traffic signs will be used (if any)
- where such signs and guarding will be positioned around the site
- that any illuminated sign or roadside furniture will not be interfered with
- that traffic lights, and any sensor on top of it, will not be blocked
- that a 500 millimetres clearance from the edge of the kerb will be maintained for the whole length of the scaffolding / hoarding, (or details of what safety barriers will be used to keep vehicles clear)
Pedestrians guidance
- A footway must have an absolute minimum width of a 1.2 metres (1200 millimetres) of clear unobstructed walkway maintained at all times for the entire length of scaffold. Where this is not achievable, you will need to demonstrate how pedestrians will be managed and how an alternative walkway will be provided. You will need to consider the New Roads and Streetworks Act 1991 and Chapter 8 Signs Manual. You may need to seek advice or instruct a competent traffic management provider.
- Where a footway is closed: a temporary walkway or signed pedestrian diversion route (using ramps and safe crossing points) must be provided. This must be shown on a Traffic Management Plan.
Further guidance on drawings can be found in the terms and conditions.
How do you apply for a licence?
To apply for a new or extended licence, please use our online form and pay the fee.
Apply for a scaffolding or hoarding licence
Apply to extend a scaffolding or hoarding licence
Please send us your application at least ten working days before the date on which you wish to erect the scaffolding or hoarding.
What are the terms and conditions?
Please see our terms and conditions for putting scaffolding and hoarding on the road page.
How much does the licence cost?
The cost of the licence is £194 per 28 day period. The renewal fee of a scaffolding licence is also £194.
In some cases, extra charges may apply if;
- our contractors are called out to light the site, or to make it safe, a charge will be made to the licensee.
- a bus stop suspension is required
- any other additional traffic management is required (such as a road closure or temporary traffic lights)
Important: We process applications within ten days. However, your application will be delayed and possibly rejected if you do not pay the appropriate amount of the fee and submit all of the required documents.
What if you have any queries, concerns or complaints?
If you have queries or concerns, please contact us online or by telephone.
