Highway permits

Highway Works and Temporary Obstructions (Non-Utility)

If you want to temporarily restrict or excavate any part of the public highway in the city, you must first obtain the appropriate approval or permit/licence from the Council.

This includes any work or activity that may:

  • obstruct part of the highway (carriageway or footpath)
  • require a lane or full road closure
  • temporarily divert traffic
  • suspend a parking bay, bus stop, or taxi rank
  • restrict pedestrian access or reduce the width of the footway

All permissions and agreements must be in place before any restriction or works begin. You must allow adequate time for us to assess and approve your application. Notice periods vary by permit type - see our Notice Periods page for full details.

When you need a highway permit or licence

You will require a permit or licence from the Council for any of the following:

  • excavating the public highway (Street Works/Section 50 Licence)
  • placing a crane/cherry picker on the highway
  • installing hoarding on the public highway
  • erecting scaffolding on the public highway
  • creating a temporary builders' crossing
  • placing building materials/equipment or any other temporary obstruction
  • vehicular access onto the pedestrian area of Southend High Street
  • any other activity that involves temporarily disturbing or obstructing the highway

Further details for each activity are outlined below.

Temporary Obstructions (e.g. scaffolding, hoarding, materials)

You must obtain permission before placing any item or obstruction on the highway, including:

  • crane/cherry picker
  • hoarding
  • scaffolding
  • temporary builders' crossing for construction site access
  • building materials or equipment
  • any other structure or obstruction

Use our online application form:

  • to apply for a new permit
  • to extend an existing permit

Permit charges are listed on our current fees and charges page.

For skip licences, please visit our skip licence page.

For road closures or diversions, see Road Closures and Diversions (TTROs).

Street Works - permits for non-Statutory Undertakers

Any organisation or individual that is not a Statutory Undertaker must apply for a Section 50 Licence, also known as a Street Works Licence (SWL), if it wants to:

  • laying or repairing pipes, ducts, or cables
  • maintenance of apparatus beneath the carriageway or footway
  • other notifiable street works activities

Such organisations or individuals may be, but not limited to:

  • housing developers
  • electric vehicle chargepoint installers
  • commercial companies linking their sites
  • private residents
  • those installing and maintaining private drainage

Guidance and application

For guidance on the permits for street works and how to apply, please visit our guidance pages.

If you need any further information you can also contact the highway permits team by emailing HighwayPermits@southend.gov.uk

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