Encroachment Licence for Scaffolding - London
In London, England, placing scaffolding, hoardings or gantries on the public highway normally requires an encroachment licence from the local highway authority. This guide explains the legal basis, the responsible departments, typical application steps, enforcement and what to expect during inspections. It is aimed at contractors, site managers and property owners working in any London borough or in the Square Mile. Check the specific borough or City of London protocol early, prepare drawings and risk assessments, and allow time for approval and inspections before works begin.
Penalties & Enforcement
Local highway authorities enforce encroachment licences and regulations for works on the public highway. Local enforcement powers, fine levels and escalation procedures vary by authority; where the authority’s page does not list fixed fines or daily rates, the page is noted as not specifying monetary penalties below. The statutory framework for highway encroachments and licences is set out in national highway legislation and is applied by borough highways teams and the City of London Corporation.[2]
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited borough page; see local authority pages for exact amounts and schedules.[1]
- Escalation: first notices, enforcement notices and repeat/continuing offence actions are handled locally; repeat or continuing offences may attract higher penalties or court action (not specified on the cited page).
- Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, stop-work notices, seizure of equipment, and injunction or prosecution in magistrates court.
- Enforcer and inspections: the borough highways team or City of London highways/licensing officers carry out inspections and respond to complaints; use the local highways contact or online reporting tool to raise issues.[1]
- Appeals and review: appeal routes are set by the enforcing authority; time limits for appeals are authority-specific and may be stated on the licence or enforcement notice (not specified on the cited page).
Applications & Forms
Most London authorities publish an application form or online permit process for scaffolding, hoardings and gantries with requirements for drawings, public liability insurance and risk assessments. If an authority page does not list a named form or fee schedule, the form name or fee is not specified on that page; contact the local highways/licensing team for the official application and payment instructions.[1]
- Typical requirements: site plan, elevation drawings, start and end dates, contact details, and evidence of insurance.
- Fees: set by each borough or the City of London; fees and calculation method are published by the authority or stated as not specified on the cited page.
- Lead time: allow several weeks for review and permits; emergency or short-term works may have separate arrangements.
- Submission: most authorities accept online applications or emailed forms to the highways/licensing team; check the local page for the exact submission route.
Common Violations
- Erecting scaffolding without any licence or permit.
- Failing to maintain safe pedestrian access under hoardings.
- Not displaying approved drawings or licence details on site.
- Ignoring removal or safety notices from the highway authority.
Action Steps
- Contact the local highway authority to obtain the required application form and guidance.[1]
- Prepare drawings, risk assessments and evidence of insurance before submission.
- Pay the permit fee as directed by the authority and retain the licence on site.
- Schedule inspections and comply promptly with any enforcement notices.
FAQ
- Do I always need an encroachment licence to put scaffolding on the street?
- Yes, you normally need a licence or permit from the local highway authority before erecting scaffolding, hoardings or gantries on the public highway; check the borough or City of London guidance for local rules.
- How long does a licence take to issue?
- Times vary by authority; allow several weeks for standard applications and check the local page for expedited or emergency arrangements.
- What happens if scaffolding is erected without permission?
- The authority can issue removal orders, fines, stop-work notices and may pursue prosecution; equipment can be removed and costs recovered.
How-To
- Check which local highway authority covers your site and read their scaffolding/encroachment guidance.
- Complete the authority’s application form and attach drawings, risk assessment and insurance evidence.
- Submit the application and pay any fee as instructed by the authority.
- Receive and display the licence on site, arrange any required inspections, and implement public protection measures.
- On completion, notify the authority for final checks and licence close-out if required.
Key Takeaways
- Always check the local highway authority rules in London before erecting scaffolding.
- Applications need drawings, risk assessments and insurance; allow lead time for approval.
- Non-compliance can lead to removal orders, fines and court action.