Utility Fees and Connection Charges - London Bylaws

In London, England, charges for utility services and connections are managed by highway authorities, transport bodies and the utility providers themselves. Local highway licences (often called s.50 licences) and street-works permits govern placing apparatus or carrying out works in the public highway; separate connection charges for water, gas and electricity are set by the relevant utility companies or network operators. This guide explains the common fees, who enforces the rules, how to apply, and steps to appeal or report unlawful works in London.

Overview of Fees and Charges

Fees cover licences to place apparatus in the highway, short-term street-works permits, inspections, reinstatement bonds and application administration. The City of London Corporation and Transport for London publish guidance on licences and permits for works on their networks and set administrative fees and conditions for approvals City of London licences^[1] and TfL streetworks and permits^[2].

• Licence application fees (s.50 type highway licences).
• Permit and inspection charges, and potential reinstatement bonds or deposits.
• Inspection and compliance fees for works carried out without permission.
• Charges for street works, traffic management and lane closures on major routes.
• Administration fees for applications, schedule changes and extensions.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by the highway authority or the permit-issuing body for the affected road: in central areas this may be the City of London Corporation, and on Transport for London-managed roads it will be TfL. Penalties for unauthorised works, failure to reinstate, or breaches of permit conditions can include fines, orders to correct works, cost recovery for council-performed remedial works and prosecution in the courts.

• Monetary fines: specific amounts for fines are not specified on the cited pages for general guidance and are often set in licence schedules or local fee tables; check the authority page for published fees.
• Escalation: first offences, repeat or continuing offences and daily continuing penalties vary by authority and are not specified on the general guidance pages.
• Non-monetary sanctions: remedial orders, seizure or removal of apparatus, suspension or refusal of future permits, and court action for persistent breaches.
• Enforcers and inspections: City of London Corporation Highways Team and TfL Streets & Permits teams carry out inspections and enforce compliance; report problems via the authority contact pages cited above.
• Appeals and reviews: appeal routes and time limits are set out in the licence or permit conditions; where not published on the guidance page, the specific application letter or permit will state appeal deadlines and procedures and may be "not specified on the cited page" for general guidance.

Applications & Forms

Authorities use application forms or online portals for licences and permits. Specific form names or numbers may be provided on the authority application pages; if a form number or fee table is not shown on the general guidance, it is not specified on the cited page and applicants should contact the issuing authority for the current form and fee schedule.

• Section 50 highway licence application or equivalent (check the City of London page for details). City of London licences^[1]
• TfL streetworks permit application (online portal and guidance). TfL streetworks and permits^[2]

FAQ

Who sets the fees for utility connections and highway licences in London?

Highway authorities and transport bodies set licence and permit fees for works on the public highway; utility companies set connection charges for services like water and electricity. See the relevant authority pages for details.

How do I apply for a licence to work in the highway?

Apply via the issuing authority's application form or online portal; for City of London and TfL follow the links to their licences and permits pages and submit required plans and fees.

What should I do if someone is working without a permit?

Report the unauthorised works to the highway authority responsible for the road; enforcement teams can inspect and issue remedial orders or penalties.

How-To

1. Identify the highway authority for the road where works will occur (City of London, TfL or the local borough).
2. Obtain and complete the authority's licence or permit application form and attach plans and risk assessments.
3. Pay the application fee and any deposit or bond required for reinstatement costs.
4. Arrange inspections as required and comply with permit conditions during and after works.
5. If you receive an enforcement notice, follow the appeal or review route stated on the notice within the specified time period.

Key Takeaways

• Check the issuing authority early to identify applicable licences and fees.
• Connection charges and permits are separate; contact the utility for service connection fees and the highway authority for street-works fees.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of London Corporation - Road licences and permits
• Transport for London - Roadworks and permits
• Legislation.gov.uk - New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, section 50

1. [1] City of London Corporation - Road licences and permits
2. [2] Transport for London - Roadworks and permits