Section 171 Licence

Part of: Street works and permits

Contents

A Section 171 Licence gives permission to place materials on, occupy, or make a small excavation in the public highway. It is required for short-term or minor works that are not connected to installing or maintaining apparatus covered by a Section 50 Street works licence.

The licence allows temporary use of the highway while work is carried out and ensures it is done safely and to the required standards.

When to apply

You must apply for a Section 171 Licence if you plan to:

  • Store or place materials on the highway
  • Occupy part of the highway temporarily
  • Make a small excavation or opening in the highway

Apply at least five working days before your planned start date.

Applications received later than this may not be processed in time.

Fees

  • £433.50 for administration and inspection
  • Additional charges apply if traffic management is needed:
    • £756 for a notice
    • £2,583 for an order

If you ask us to complete the permanent reinstatement, further costs will be invoiced after the work is complete.

Payment must be made when you submit your application.

Documents you must include

You must include the following with your application:

  • Completed Section 171 Licence application form
  • Public liability insurance certificate for at least £5 million
  • Copies of Street Works accreditation cards (both sides) for the operative and supervisor
  • A location plan showing the site and extent of the works
  • Details of proposed traffic management, if required

How to apply

  1. Download the Section 171 Licence application form
  2. Complete the form and gather your supporting documents
  3. Email your completed application to traffordstreetworks@amey.co.uk
  4. Pay the fee when you submit your application

Download the Section 171 Licence application form.

Conditions

All works must:

  • Be carried out safely and in line with the Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice
  • Be reinstated to the Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways
  • Be supervised and completed by accredited personnel
  • Be kept safe, tidy, and properly signed and guarded at all times

You must hold public liability insurance of at least £5 million.

The licence holder is responsible for the work and any reinstatement during the guarantee period, which is two years for standard excavations or three years for excavations deeper than 1.5 metres.

After you apply

The Streetworks team will review your application and contact you if more information is needed.

You must not start any work until your signed licence has been issued.

Once work is complete, notify the Streetworks team within one working day.

If the reinstatement is temporary, Trafford Council’s contractor will complete the permanent reinstatement within seven days and charge you for this work.

Contact

Email traffordstreetworks@amey.co.uk

Postal address
Streetworks Team
One Trafford, Tatton House
11 Caldey Road
Roundthorn Industrial Estate
Manchester M23 9LF