Mobile working platforms

A licence is required to operate mobile mechanical plant machinery - such as cherry pickers and scissor lifts - on roads, footways, footpaths, verges and back streets.

We must ensure that any request does not represent a safety hazard.

  1. Permission is not usually granted for use on the verge.
  2. The local authority has the right to specify conditions.
  3. Where terms and conditions are violated, a £50 inspection fee will be charged.

Any company that can provide evidence it has £5 million public liability insurance and proof of competence - a Powered Access Licence card or similar - can apply for a licence. To use the machinery for less than a day, no licence is required and no fee is payable, but the local highways office must still be notified and the guidance must be followed. To use the machinery for more than a day, you'll need a licence, which is valid for up to two weeks.

Applying for a licence

To apply for a licence, or an extension,  download the application form (pdf / 290 KB) and return it to your local area highways office. Refer to our list of fees and charges for cost details.

Further information

Restricting the width of a footway or carriageway

If there is a remaining unobstructed footway width of less than 1.2 metres or carriageway width of less than 6.75 metres while the plant is in place, you will need to provide a plan of the location and describe how pedestrian and / or vehicle traffic would be managed.

Traffic management signs

The machinery must be signed, guarded and illuminated in accordance with guidelines and any additional special conditions.

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Sketch showing machinery planted while working on footpath
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Diagram showing work being done on footpath with a temporary footpath being in road
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Diagram showing mechanical plant on the carriageway hanging over the footpath