Section 50 Street works licence

Part of: Street works and permits

Contents

A Section 50 Street works licence gives permission to place, inspect, maintain or repair private apparatus in the public highway. Apparatus includes private drainage, broadband or telecommunications connections, and water or gas pipes.

The licence can only be granted to the owner of the apparatus, not a contractor.

The owner becomes the “undertaker” under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 and is responsible for maintaining the apparatus in the future.

When to apply

You must apply if your work involves installing or working on any private apparatus in the highway.

This includes:

  • New private utility connections
  • Repairs or maintenance to existing apparatus
  • Alterations or removals of private infrastructure
  • If you are carrying out work for a public utility company, you do not need a Section 50 licence, but you must still notify the Streetworks team.

Submit your application:

  • At least one month before your planned start date for standard works
  • At least three months before if the work lasts more than ten working days or needs a road closure

Fees

  • £898.65 for new apparatus installations
  • £441.90 for inspection, maintenance, repair, adjustment or alteration of existing apparatus

Payment must be made when you submit your application.

Documents you must include

You must include the following documents with your application:

  • Completed application forms SWL 1 and SWL 2 (Advance Notice of Works)
  • 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 (scale 1:1250 or greater) showing the proposed works
  • Plant plans from statutory undertakers
  • Connection approval (for new apparatus only)
  • Any temporary traffic management applications, if required

How to apply

  1. Download the Section 50 licence application pack
  2. Complete forms SWL 1 and SWL 2 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 50 Street works licence application pack.

Conditions

All works must:

  • Be supervised by an accredited supervisor and carried out by accredited operatives
  • Be carried out safely and signed and guarded in line with the Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice
  • Comply with the Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways
  • Be completed within the permitted dates shown on the licence

You may be charged for overruns under Section 74 of the Act if the highway is occupied longer than agreed.

You must notify the Streetworks team within ten working days of completing the work using the registration form in the application pack.

After you apply

The Streetworks team will review your application and contact you if more information is needed. If approved, a signed licence will be issued to you by email.

You must not start any work until the signed licence has been received.

Work must start within three months of the licence being issued.

Once work is complete, send the registration form within ten working days. Any interim reinstatement must be made permanent within six months.

Failure to meet these conditions may result in penalties under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.

Contact

Email traffordstreetworks@amey.co.uk

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