Working in the Public Highway / Opening Up the Highway Notices
Working in the Public Highway/Opening Up the Highway Notices
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Public Highway?
- Who can work in the Highway?
- Why would anyone need to work in the Public Highway?
- Do I need permission?
- What is a S50 licence?
- Will I need temporary portable traffic signals?
What is the Public Highway?
The public highway generally consists of the road surface - the carriageway, and the pavement - the footway.
Who can work in the Highway?
Public Utilities (e.g. gas, electric and water companies) have statutory undertakings provide services and may break open and work in the highway under these powers.
Contractors can work on behalf of these companies provided that they have the relevant training and accreditation (Health and Safety and insurances etc.).
Why would anyone need to work in the Public Highway?
The Public Utilities need to maintain their equipment and builders may need to work in the highway to connect to the public sewer (permission is also required from the relevant water authority).
Generally the only reason private households would require work to be done in the highway would be to create vehicular access by dropping the level of the kerb and reconstructing the footway to take vehicular traffic (see the Kerb Dropping section for more details).
Do I need permission?
Permission is required to work in the highway and the work must be completed by an accredited contractor. The contractor will deal with the application form and advise on the relevant fees.
Please refer to: Highways opening up notice permit 105.06 KB 
What is a S50 licence?
A S50 licence authorises private individuals and contractors to lay new apparatus or maintain existing apparatus in the highway.
- SWL1 - Notes For Guidance For Applicants
- SWL2 - Application for Placing New Apparatus in the Highway 198.39 KB
- SWL3 - Application for Consent to Work on Existing Apparatus in the Highway 177.02 KB
Will I need temporary portable traffic signals?
Accredited contractors will be aware if temporary traffic control signals are required.
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