Traffic counting and survey equipment on the highway licence

You must apply for a licence to place traffic counting and surveying equipment on the highway.

Any unauthorised equipment that is found could be removed immediately and returned to you once we receive payment of a licence fee. 

These licences will still be processed on the assumption that applicants/third parties recognise that traffic flow data obtained may not be representative of normal traffic patterns, as these have changed due to COVID-19 and Government guidance on travel.

Cost and payment

It costs £85 per Unique Street Reference Number (USRN) where equipment is to be placed. You'll be notified of the total charge before we request payment online at the end of completing the application.

How to apply

You can apply for a licence to place traffic counting and surveying equipment on the highway using our online form below. We aim to assess your request within three working days.

Apply to place traffic counting and survey equipment

Conditions of consent 

1. A licence is valid for a maximum of 14 days
2. A £10m minimum public liability insurance is required along with street works accreditation
3. A method statement should accompany the application
4. The Licensee shall ensure that the equipment is installed and inspected by a competent and responsible person
5. The applicant shall not allow the equipment to be placed any longer than is necessary
6. Equipment must not be left in such a location that causes undue obstruction of the highway
7. Equipment must be removed promptly upon completion of the survey (with 24 hours of the licence expiring) or whenever required by Swindon Borough Council
8. Faulty or dangerous equipment must be removed immediately upon request or will be removed by Swindon Borough Council
9. This consent cannot be taken as authorising the creation of a nuisance or a danger to users of the highway
10. Equipment should clearly display a 24/7 contact name and telephone number, for public use
11. The highway shall be left in a clean and tidy condition on removal of the equipment. Any damage shall be reported to Swindon Borough Council Street Works and repaired in accordance with agreed details.
12. Equipment must not be attached to street lighting columns without approval from Swindon Borough Council Street Lighting, Lisa Willoughby at Lwilloughby@swindon.gov.uk
13. Equipment must not be attached to structures without approval from Swindon Borough Council Structures team, Alan Frost or Isma Haskell at afrost@swindon.gov.uk or ihaskell@swindon.gov.uk