You need a licence if you want to operate a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) on or over a public highway. A licence covers:
- Cherry pickers
- Articulating boom lifts
- Telescopic boom lifts
- Scissor lifts
- Vertical mast lifts
- Spider lifts
- Push-around vertical lifts (PAVs)
- Vehicle mounted MEWPs
You can apply for multiple locations within a single application, provided the sites are on adjoining streets. Applications covering extensive areas may incur an additional fee.
If you require traffic management, we will collect this as part of this application. If you require a road closure, a road closure application must also be submitted.
If you need to use part of the highway for another reason, such as storing materials, you will need to apply for a licence to carry out minor work on the highway.
Cost
A licence costs £215.00. Application fees are exempt from VAT.
Licences are issued for the duration of the works. If you need to extend the dates or make any amendments to your application an additional charge of £100.00 will apply.
In some cases, a highway officer may need to carry out a site visit. If a site visit is required, this will incur an additional charge of £103.95.
Please ensure that you apply for the correct licence and that the location is on highway maintained at public expense. Incorrect applications may be subject to an administrative fee. Refunds may be issued in line with our refund guidance.
Timescales
We need a minimum of 20 days notice to process the application. In emergency situations, it’s possible for us to grant a licence with less than 20 days notice – but this would be at an increased cost of £322.50.
Who can apply
Contractors can use this service to apply and pay for a licence.