Apply for a scaffold licence
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You need a scaffold licence to erect a scaffolding on a public highway.
The minimum period for a scaffold licence is 28 days. It is your responsibility to renew your licence in time.
Before you apply
You will need:
- Height and length of scaffolding
- Diagram of structure
- Photograph of location
- Certificate of public liability insurance to the value of £5,000,000 that is valid for the duration of the proposed licence
We cannot issue highway licences for red routes. We can only issue a licence for side roads connected to red routes.
To put up scaffolding on a red route, you must apply for a licence or permission from Transport for London.
If you plan to take up any part of a controlled parking space, you also need to apply for a bay suspension.
Licence conditions
A copy of your licence must be available to view on site.
All scaffolding must be legitimately sited and follow the terms and conditions set out in the permit.
If any of the requirements are not complied with, we may take such measures as necessary to:
- Mark, guard, light or remove the scaffold
- Clean and repair the highway
The licensee is liable for the costs incurred in such measures.
Read the full scaffold licence terms and conditions.
Timescales
You must apply for a scaffold licence a minimum of five working days before you need the licence to start. This gives us time to process your application and provide warning notices to other residents.
The day of submission is not included in the notice period.
Your application must be received by 3pm on the day of submission for it to be accepted for that day. If your application is received after this time, it will be deemed as received the next working day. The start date will then change.
Licences are only valid for consecutive days.
Fees
Fees for this year are valid from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
View scaffold licence fees.
Apply for a licence
You can apply for a scaffold licence online.
After you apply
A Inspection and Enforcement Officer will contact you to arrange a site meeting.
The fees and terms and conditions for your licence will be confirmed at the meeting.
Make a payment
If your application is successful, you will be asked to complete payment. You can make a payment online.
Renew
You can renew a scaffold licence online or by email.
Renew online
Renew a licence online using the application form.
Renew by email
To renew by email, send the first page of the current licence to highwaylicences@wandsworth.gov.uk.
Timescales for renewals
If your licence is not renewed before its expiry date, you will need to pay for a new licence. Any parking bays will return to general use.
Renewal requests must be received by 3pm on the day of submission, three working days before the date of expiry.
Renewals will be counted as continuous rolling days and the appropriate tier rate will apply.