Scaffolding/hoarding must not be erected within the public highway without a valid licence signed and approved by us.  The word "highway" includes roads, pavement, cycleways and verges.  You do not need a scaffold licence if the scaffolding is on your own property.

Scaffold licences are only issued to scaffolding companies who use appropriately qualified people to design and erect the scaffolding - they are not issued to private individuals.  If you want scaffolding to be erected on a public highway, you will need the scaffolding company to get a scaffolding licence from us, the current cost of which is £70.  The scaffolding company will arrange this and pay the fee, but they may pass the costs on to you.  They should also provide any traffic management measures required on site such as traffic cones or signs.   

Process for scaffold companies

If you are a scaffold company and want to apply for a licence to erect scaffolding on the highway, please download and complete our scaffold application form (PDF, 216KB).  The on site erector must hold up to date accreditation for the erection of scaffolding and you will need to provide us with a copy of this.  You will also be required to provide us with a copy of your public liability insurance certificate (the sum insured must be for no less than £5,000,000.  Please note:  we reserve the right to increase this amount if we consider that the site location requires a higher degree of cover.

A fee of £70.00 (VAT exempt) is required for each licence, with a maximum time limit of 8 weeks, and must accompany the completed application form.  Cheques should be made out to "Suffolk County Council".  Any extension of time will require a further licence and a £70 fee.  Any additional inspections required because of non-compliance with the conditions will be charged at £50 per inspection.   

If you want to erect a scaffold or hoarding on a Trunk road (PDF, 88.15KB) please contact the Highways Agency Information Line.