Highway licences and permits

Application forms are available below to obtain the specific licences or permits required when working on the highway.

Failure to obtain the necessary permissions may result in enforcement action being taken against you.

Only registered companies can apply for hoarding, scaffolding and skip permits. If you would like to become registered, please email street.works@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

Skip permit

Only registered skip companies can apply for skip permits.

Skips are not allowed to be placed on waiting restrictions (yellow lines). Skips may be permitted in resident permit holder bays or pay and display bays but additional charges will apply.

To apply and pay for a permit to place a skip on the highway, please complete the online form. Applications by phone or email are no longer accepted.

The current charge for a skip permit is as stated on the application form and is for 14 days. This payment is taken during the online application.

It can take up to 10 working days to process an application for a skip permit.

Please read the terms and conditions document below before completing the online form.

Scaffolding and hoardings licences

You need a licence to place scaffolding or hoardings on the highway.

Only registered companies can apply for scaffolding and hoardings licences. If you would like to become a registered company, please email street.works@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

To apply and pay for a licence to place scaffolding on the highway, please complete the online form below.

To apply and pay for a licence to place hoardings on the highway, please complete the online form below.

The current charge for both scaffolding and hoardings licences is as stated on the application form and is per street placed per 30 days. This payment is taken during the online application.

It can take up to 15 working days to process an application for a licence. Applications by phone, email or paper are no longer accepted.

Licence renewals use the same online form as for new applications.

Licence to serve food and drink on the highway

If you intend to serve food and drink from your business on any part of the public highway, you need to apply for a licence. 

Tables and Chairs Licence

The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (Commencement No. 3 and Transitional and Savings Provision) Regulations 2024, makes permanent the provisions set out in the Business and Planning Act (BPA)2020.

From 31st March 2024, the Highway Authority may not grant an applicant permission to do anything which is capable of being authorised by a pavement licence under the BPA.

Any permission that was granted by a council under the Highways Act 1980 before the commencement date will continue under that legislation. Enforcement of licences is now also a local authority function.

Please contact your local city or district council to apply for or renew a licence:

• Cambridge City Council
• East Cambridgeshire District Council
• Fenland District Council
• Huntingdon District Council
• South Cambridgeshire District Council

Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTRO) for road closures and speed reductions

If you need to reduce a speed limit or close a road or footway, you will need to apply for a temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). These can be arranged when it is necessary to temporarily control vehicular or pedestrian activity on a length of public highway.

Most commonly these are road closures arranged on behalf of the highway authority, utility companies and developers, but they can also apply for temporary speed limits, parking restrictions, movement orders and public events.

Mobile catering highway consent

Mobile catering operators of roadside catering vehicles must get consent from the local Highways Office before starting to trade. You should be aware of and bear in mind the policy and guidance provided in the Highway Operation Standards.

Banners over the highway licence

To place a banner over a highway to publicise a charitable or community event, you will need a licence.

Tower cranes licence

You need a licence for tower cranes or equipment that may 'oversail' the highway.

Book a road space

If you want to work on the public highway, you need to book a road space. Make sure you include accurate descriptions and grid references.

Temporary traffic lights

If you want to use temporary traffic lights, you will need to complete the application form below.

Private apparatus in the highway

You need a licence if you want to place or retain apparatus in the public highway, such as sewer connection pipes for example.

Planting on the highway licence

You need a licence if you want to maintain an area of highway verge adjacent to your premises.

Public event on the highway

If you are planning an event that will take place on, or will affect, the highway, please see our highway events webpage.

Traffic counters on the highway

If you are using traffic counters on the highway, please complete the application form.

Tourist Signing

Tourist attractions can apply and pay for brown tourist signing to direct the public to their business or facility. All applications are considered in accordance with our Tourist Signing Policy below.

To apply, please read the policy in full and then complete and return the application form.

A community can take action to fund the improvement independently.

Storage of materials on the highway licence

Visit the storage of materials on the highway licence page to apply online.

Street lighting attachment licence

If you would like to attach an item to a street light, such as a hanging basket, festive lighting or advertising, you will need a street lighting attachment licence. Find out more on our street lighting webpage.