Do I Need a Permit to Hire a Skip?

While hiring a skip may seem simple, it’s important to understand regulations regarding permits, as these can vary by location and where you plan to place the skip. If you’re wondering “Do I need a permit to hire my skip?”, this blog post will cover everything you need to know, including: 

• Do I need a skip permit?
• Why do I need a skip permit?
• How long do skip permits last?

Do I need a skip permit? 

If you’re planning to keep the skip within your private property, such as your driveway or garden, you won’t need a skip permit.

Before finalising your skip placement, ensure that its delivery and placement won’t cause any disturbance to nearby properties, walls, or other structures. It’s also good practice to review your property lease, especially if the skip could potentially affect access to shared spaces like adjoining gardens or sheds.

On the other hand, if your project requires placing the skip on a public highway (e.g. roads and pavements), you will need to secure a permit from your local council. If you don’t, this can result in fines and your skip being removed without notice.

To conclude, you will need a skip permit if it’s being placed on public land (e.g. pavement or road), and not if the skip is going on your private driveway or garden.

Fortunately, if you do need a permit, we will sort this all out during the booking process and add the cost to your quote, so you’re never out of the loop.

Why do I need a skip permit?

Placing a skip on a public highway without a permit is illegal. Without a valid skip permit, you risk having your skip removed and may face fines up to £1000.

So, why are these permits so important?

The purpose of a skip permit is twofold: firstly, it helps regulate the number of skips present on a road at any given time, preventing overcrowding.

Secondly, it ensures safety. The placement of the skip must not impede traffic flow or pedestrian access. Safety is paramount, so the skip must not pose a hazard to road users, obstruct access to properties, or reduce the visibility or width of the highway, such as near junctions. Additionally, the skip should occupy as little parking space as possible, which is particularly crucial in residential and business districts.

A skip permit is essentially entering into an agreement with the local authorities. It signifies your commitment to adhere to all the established rules and regulations, ensuring both your safety and that of the public, while minimising disruption to the community. Remember, these permits are there to maintain order and safety for everyone involved.

How long do skip permits last? 

The length of time a skip permit remains valid can vary depending on your local council’s regulations. Typically, permits are issued for a duration of 1-2 weeks. This limited time frame helps to minimise any potential disruption caused by the skip.

If you need your skip for longer, don’t worry. Most councils offer the option to extend your skip permit for an additional fee. Should you find yourself needing more time, simply get in touch with your local council or your skip hire company to arrange an extension.

For the majority of projects, the standard permit duration should be enough. However, it’s important to be aware that keeping a skip beyond the permitted time without an extension can lead to fines. Staying within the allotted time frame is key to avoiding any unnecessary penalties.

Cost effective and reliable skip hire from Wheeldons

Hiring a skip can be straightforward if you know the rules. Remember, if you’re putting the skip on your own property like a driveway, you usually don’t need a permit. But it’s good to tell your neighbours or landlord about it. If the skip is going on a public road or pavement, you definitely need a permit to avoid fines and keep everyone safe.

If you are looking for cost effective and reliable skip hire for your home or business, reach out to the team at Wheeldons.