Pavement Encroachment Permit - Liverpool Bylaw

Transportation England 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of England

In Liverpool, England, builders who need to place scaffolding, hoardings or otherwise occupy the pavement must follow the council's highway licence and permitting rules before beginning works. This guide explains who enforces the rules, how to apply for a pavement encroachment permit, typical compliance steps, and how enforcement and appeals work under Liverpool City Council procedures and relevant highway law.

Scope & When a Permit Is Required

Pavement encroachment covers temporary occupation of the public footway for scaffolding, hoardings, skips, contractors' cabins, or works that reduce usable pedestrian space. If the works affect pedestrian movement, require diversion of a footway, or involve fixed structures on the highway you normally need a licence from the council and may require traffic management coordination.

  • Apply for a highway licence where scaffolding, hoardings or temporary structures occupy the footway.
  • Obtain any required building or planning consents before applying for a pavement licence.
  • Arrange traffic management and pedestrian protection for public safety.
Apply before work starts to avoid enforcement action and delays.

To start an application, use the Liverpool City Council highway licences page Liverpool City Council highway licences[1].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement responsibility rests with Liverpool City Council's highways/highway licences service and local enforcement officers; serious or repeat cases may be taken to magistrates' court or result in removal of unauthorised structures. Specific monetary penalties or fixed fine schedules for unauthorised pavement encroachment are not specified on the cited council page Liverpool City Council highway licences[1].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; the council page references licence requirements but does not publish a fixed fine schedule.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offences are handled as enforcement actions or court proceedings; specific escalation ranges are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal or seizure of unauthorised structures, stop notices, enforcement notices, and court action are possible under highway powers.
  • To report unsafe or unauthorised pavement works contact Liverpool City Council via their highways contact options on the highway licences page.[1]
  • Appeals/review: where available, appeals are to the council’s review process or via the courts; time limits for appeals or reviews are not specified on the cited page.[1]
Unauthorised encroachment may be removed and costs charged to the builder or site owner.

Applications & Forms

The council publishes guidance and application routes for highway licences; the specific form name or form reference number, standard fee amounts, and published submission deadlines are not specified on the cited council page. Applicants should use the Liverpool City Council highway licences page to find the current application form, fee information and online submission method.[1]

  • Form: application form for a highway licence is available from the council page; exact form number not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Fees: fee amounts are not specified on the cited page and may vary by type and duration of licence.[1]
  • Submission: apply via the council portal or by the contact route shown on the highway licences page; allow lead time for processing.

Action Steps for Builders

  • Check whether your works will encroach on the pavement and need a highway licence.
  • Gather plans, risk assessments and traffic management proposals for the application.
  • Submit the highway licence application via the council site and pay any fees once confirmed.
  • Notify neighbouring properties and arrange pedestrian protection and signage.
Keep records of approvals and placement of licences on site while works continue.

FAQ

Do builders always need permission to place scaffolding on a Liverpool pavement?
Yes; in most cases a highway licence or permission from Liverpool City Council is required before placing scaffolding or hoardings on the pavement.
How long does a pavement encroachment licence take?
Processing times vary; the council page does not specify a standard processing period so apply early and contact the council for current timings.[1]
What if someone encroaches without permission?
Report unauthorised encroachment to Liverpool City Council highways; enforcement may include removal orders, charges for costs and court action.

How-To

  1. Confirm that your planned works will encroach on the pavement and identify the scale and duration of occupation.
  2. Compile supporting documents: site plans, public protection measures, risk assessments and traffic management proposals.
  3. Submit the highway licence application via the Liverpool City Council highway licences page and include required documents.[1]
  4. Pay any applicable fee as confirmed by the council and await written approval before starting works.
  5. Comply with any licence conditions, display the licence if required, and keep records while works continue.

Key Takeaways

  • Most pavement encroachments need a Liverpool City Council highway licence.
  • Apply early with full plans, traffic management and safety measures.
  • Unauthorised encroachment can lead to removal, charges and court action.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Liverpool City Council highway licences

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