What do I need a licence for?
You need a highways licence for activities carried out on public roads, including:
- setting up scaffolding or hoarding
- using lifting equipment
- digging
- placing materials
- building temporary crossings
Download guidance for the following permits:
- Scaffold
- Hoard
- Crane (and other lifting appliances)
- Cart over (temporary access or exit to a site)
- Excavation
- Temporary deposit of materials (placing items on the highway other than vehicles)
- Guidance notes - Specified licences fees and charges
Find out how to apply for highways licences.
A Section 50 licence is needed if your company plans to dig up or break through the adopted highway to maintain or install new equipment.
Read more about Section 50 applications.
Page last updated: 6 August 2026
