Builders Skips on the Highways
Skip permit - Apply for a permit
To deposit a skip/container on the public highway, you need a permit from the local authority. No person or company may deposit a skip/container on the highway without first obtaining a permit.
Regulation Summary
Every skip/container that is placed on the highway must have a permit which is issued by the Council’s Highways Team. Only the owner of a skip/container company can apply for a permit. Members of the public cannot apply for a as they do not have the correct insurance and cannot comply with skip/container regulations. If builders' skips/containers (whether small, medium or large) need to be placed on the highway (on the road, pavement or verge) then a permit must be obtained by the skip/container operator.
To place a skip/container on the highway without first applying for and being granted a permit is an offence under the Highways Act 1980 and may result in a skip/container operator being prosecuted. The skip/container operator (supplier) has the responsibility to ensure that skips/containers are positioned on the highway in such a way that they do not cause an obstruction to other road users.
The skip/container supplier is responsible for ensuring that all appropriate regulations and conditions are adhered to.
It is NOT the householder or the builder’s or contractor’s responsibility to obtain a skip/container permit, but they should satisfy themselves that valid permission has been received by the Council for a skip/container to be placed on the highway.
Application process
If you wish to put a skip/container on the road outside your house, please contact your skip/container supplier in the first instance.
In considering such requests, the Highways Team will have to assess several factors, and they may not always be able to grant consent.
A permit can be valid for any period between 1 day and 14 calendar days. For longer periods additional applications must be made. Only one skip/container will be allowed on site at any one time, except in exceptional circumstances.
Skips/containers placed on the highway shall not contain any inflammable, explosive or noxious material, or anything which is likely to cause nuisance to highway users. Contents of the skip shall be kept "damped down” or covered to prevent dust or spillage on the highway. The skip must not be overloaded and must be removed when full.
Please note: It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application, and a permit number issued before it can be placed on the highway. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period.
- Apply for a Skip Permit using our online form.
- Make a Skip Permit Application
Before a permit is granted
please ensure you have sent your relevant document/s, i.e.: Copy of a Valid Public & Employer Liability insurance for £10 million each and a copy of your waste carries licence via email to Highways.CustomerCare@merthyr.gov.uk
Costs
The determination (whether granted or refused/cancelled or otherwise) of a permit application currently costs £44 which is non-refundable. The permit is valid for a period of 14 calendar days. Subsequent periods will be charged at £44 (non-refundable) per 14 calendar days or part thereof.
Timescales
Skip permit minimum process time is two working days.
Apply for a skip licence using our online form