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Scaffolding or hoarding licence

You will need a licence to place scaffolding and hoardings on the public highway.

Emergency scaffolding

Scaffolds may be put up without delay because of the immediate risk to life or serious risk to property. You must meet the following conditions if you do this:

  1. Read and meet the normal licence conditions shown in the scaffolding application form. In particular, keeping safe pedestrian and traffic flow. You must keep the most footway space under the scaffold. It's not enough to meet the minimum if there's more space.
  2. The scaffold company must have public liability insurance in place with cover of £10,000,000.
  3. Email highwayslicensing@southwark.gov.uk explaining the specific reason for the emergency scaffolding as soon as possible. If the scaffold is put up without a valid reason (immediate risk to life or property), you will be breaking the law, and we will not give you a licence.
  4. Apply for the scaffolding licence by the next working day.