main content Skipped licence proves an expensive mistake

A man has been prosecuted for placing a skip on the grass verge in Southborough Lane, Bickley, without obtaining a temporary highway licence. Kevin Filkins, former owner of Bexley Mini Skips, failed to attend court last week and the matter was proved in his absence. Bromley Magistrates’ Court ordered him to pay fines and costs totalling £1,635.

“Skip companies are aware that they need permission before placing a skip on the road. Licences are only issued after we have inspected the location and confirmed there is no risk to public safety. Permission will be refused if a skip is placed at an unsuitable location where it is likely conflict with road works or parking restrictions, for example” said Peter Turvey, Enforcement and Technical Support Manager.

During a routine inspection of Southborough Road in August 2007, a council enforcement officer found the skip placed on the grass verge. The company had been warned only the month before to remove an unlicensed skip from another location. When checks confirmed that this skip was also unlicensed, legal action was taken.

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 that the location is suitable for a skip and is not likely to cause safety problems. Licences can be refused if there are parking restrictions, bus stops, or road works in the street, for example. 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.

A temporary highway licence must also be obtained before placing building materials, scaffolding, hoarding or any other temporary item on or over any part of the road. Application forms can be downloaded from www.bromley.gov.uk/transportandstreets/neatstreet/Highway_licences.htm

To check if a temporary highway licence has been issued, contact the Street Services help desk on 020 8313 4621.


ENDS 


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

Further information is available at www.bromley.gov.uk/neatstreet