Roadside Permits
Everything you need to know about skip permits for public roads
WHAT IS A SKIP PERMIT AND WHEN DO YOU NEED ONE?
Before you place a skip on any public highway or road (including a pavement) you need to have a skip permit from the local council. Skip permits exist to control how many skips are placed on the road because they take up space and can impact parking and traffic flow. Not having a skip permit is unlawful, you can be liable to a fine, and the skip could be removed at any time. There is no requirement for a permit if you put a skip on private land, such as your driveway, field or private road.
WHO APPLIES FOR AND ISSUES SKIP PERMITS?
In Central Scotland, the customer is responsible for organising their own skip permit from your local council. You can apply online through the your local council website or by contacting them directly. Make sure your permit is in place before your skip delivery date.
HOW LONG DO SKIP PERMITS LAST?
A skip permit typically lasts one or two weeks, depending on the council. Most councils allow for this initial period to be extended (for an additional fee), so contact them in advance if you need more time. If you keep a skip for longer than the timeframe allowed by your permit, you may face a fine.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET THE PERMIT?
It normally takes a few days for a council to process a skip permit application. It's important to account for this extra time when deciding when to order your skip and to figure out when you need all your waste ready by. The waiting time for a permit depends on the council and how speedy or busy they are.
DO YOU NEED A PERMIT IF YOUR SKIP IS ON YOUR DRIVEWAY?
Although you won't need a permit from the council if the skip is placed in your driveway, you may still require consent from your landlord (check your lease) or anyone else with whom you share that drive with (e.g. neighbours). If they aren't keen to give you permission, you could always try to persuade them by allowing them to share the skip too!
WHAT HAPPENS IF A SKIP IS ON THE ROAD WITHOUT A PERMIT?
Enforcement officers regularly check that skips have valid permits, and if a skip is found on a public road without one you will face a fine. As the customer, it is your responsibility to ensure a valid permit is in place before your skip is delivered to a public road. Make sure your permit covers the full hire period to avoid any issues.
Need Help With Permits?
You are responsible for organising your own permit from your local council before your skip is delivered. Contact us if you need advice on the process.