A question we get asked a lot is whether you need to get a skip permit, and how to go about getting one. The simple answer is, if you are booking a skip which will be placed on a public road or verge, rather than on private property, then you will almost always need a skip permit from the relevant county council. Exceptions include private roads and sometimes, new housing estates, where the roads have yet to be adopted by the council. We can check on this using this map: https://maps.norfolk.gov.uk/highways/ and will be happy to advise on the need for a permit if you are unsure.

Applications for a skip permit

Applications for a skip permit require public liability insurance, so it is best we do this on your behalf when you book a skip through us. If you take a look at our booking forms, we have an option to select for those of you requiring a skip permit. Simply select this box and we will complete the application process on your behalf. You will find that the booking slots are not available for the next 3-4 working days once selecting the skip permit option, this is to allow for the time it takes for a skip permit application to be approved, as set by the council.   

What you need to consider before requesting a permit 

There are a few things which need to be considered before you apply for a permit. These include: 

• The skip must not be placed on double-yellow lines
• The skip must not cover any maintenance access points, such as manhole covers and other utility points
• You must not block off the pavement or the drives of neighbouring properties (unless given permission to do so by your neighbours)
• Certain additional restrictions apply within the city walls of Norwich, for example, if a skip is non-lidded, it is not permitted to be left on a road overnight. For skips requiring permits within the city walls, we recommend contacting us before booking so that we can advise appropriately.

What the council considers when reviewing your application for a skip permit 

The council will review several factors when making a decision about your application. These include: 

• The width of the road, and whether this is a suitable width for a skip to be placed there
• The volume of traffic on the road, and whether a skip will have a negative impact on this
• The access to the property, meaning how accessible it is from the skip 
• Whether there are any planned roadworks of maintenance to be carried out on that road 
• Any further potential dangers and disruptions which may be caused by the skip being placed on the road

Fortunately, almost all permit applications are approved, meaning you just need to sit back and relax whilst waiting for your skip to arrive.

What if my application for a skip permit is declined? 

If your skip permit application is declined because of planned roadworks and maintenance, we will inform you as soon as we are made aware to arrange the best solution. If it is declined because of more permanent reasons, then I am afraid we are unable to provide you with a skip hire. Fortunately however, it is very rare that this occurs and there usually is a solution to be found.

What if I don’t get a skip permit? 

If you place a skip on a public road without the necessary permission to do so, then you could face a fine of £1,000 and the skip will be immediately removed. We don’t supply skips to those who require but do not have a skip permit.

If you need any further information or assistance in your application for a skip hire permit, then get in touch with a friendly member of our team today on 01603 721533. Alternatively, you can take a look at our skips for hire, and book a skip hire today and let us take care of the application process for you. Here at PSH Environmental we are always committed to providing the best services to our customers.