Section 50 licence for new service connection or connecting to existing service
A section 50 licence is a permit for a private person or organisation to install a new apparatus or work on an existing apparatus across or along a public highway. Non-compliance with any requirement of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 may result in severe financial penalties.
No works are permitted to start without the duly authorised licences. Any unauthorised works on the public highway will be prosecuted under the New Roads and Street Works Act and Highways Act.
What does a section 50 cover?
A licence gives permission to excavate or open the Highway under the New Roads and Street Works Act Section 50, in order to lay new or maintain existing apparatus in the public highway.
Do I need a section 50?
Any company or individual who wants to install and/or maintain apparatus in the public highway, and is not a statutory undertaker, needs a Section 50 license issued by the local council before they can carry out the work.
How much is a Section 50 licence?
To place a new service or repair an existing service connection, will cost £863.00 for the licence. For works exceeding 200m in length there will be an additional charge of £356.00 per 200m.
How long does it take to get a section 50?
Depending on the expected duration of the works, Section 50 street works licenses can take up to 10 weeks to process. Site visits are carried out and the impact to other highway users is considered before approval is given.
Who applies for Section 50?
Any person or organisation who wishes to carry out work within, excavate, or break through the existing public highway (roads, pavements and verges), will need to apply for a licence under Section 50 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA).
I will be using Traffic Management to complete the works – how do I apply?
Indicate the method of traffic management you will be using on your application form and enclose a scaled drawing with your proposed traffic management plan layout, ensuring it is in accordance with Chapter 8.
If you need to close any part of the highway to conduct the works (footway/footpath, and/or carriageway), you will need to apply for a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) so that a legal order can be put in place.
This application has a 12-week lead time to put in place and will need to reflect on the section 50 application when submitting.
Please make sure that you have the below documents before you begin completing the application:
- A plan of works - to scale
- A Traffic Management Plan (complying with Chapter 8)
- SWQR photo cards of accredited operative and supervisor
- Proof of public liability insurance (minimum £10million)
- Evidence of statutory undertakers responses or approval to connect