main content Court takes dim view of unlit skip

A skip hire company was ordered to pay fines and costs of £400 for breaking a condition of their skip licence. The company failed to ensure their skip in Cumberland Road, Bromley was clearly visible at night. Abbey Pynford of Huddersfield, sent Bromley Magistrates Court a written plea of guilty to the offence committed in November last year.

“There is no excuse for putting public safety at risk. Skip hire companies are well aware of the lighting requirements for skips. When a skip licence is issued, it is emphasised to the licence holder that the skip must be clearly seen at all times, especially at night. Flashing amber road lamps are mandatory and must be used each and every time” said Councillor George Taylor, Executive Councillor for the Environment.

A concerned resident, prompted by an accident where a motorist had driven into a skip that hadn’t been lit, alerted the Council to the unlit skip in Cumberland Road. The skip was inspected by the Street Services Enforcement Team and for safety, the Council’s contractor was called out to fix flashing amber lamps to it.

A skip can only be placed on the road if the Council grants a temporary highway licence for it. Before a licence is issued, the road is visited to check the location is suitable for a skip and not likely to cause safety problems. Licences can be refused if there are parking restrictions, bus stops or road works in the street, for instance. Once a licence has been issued, the licence holder is bound by certain conditions, including lighting the skip at night and during the day, if there is poor visibility.

To report an unlit skip on the road, contact the Street Services Help Desk on 020 8313 4621.

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact Andrew Rogers, Communications Advisor on 020 8461 7670 or Peter Turvey, Enforcement and Technical Support Manager on 020 8313 4901 or e-mail andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk.