Scaffolding, hoarding, cranes or container licences

To place certain building equipment on a public road or pavement, you need to apply for a licence from us. This includes:

• site hoardings
• scaffolding
• cranes
• containers

Cranes and containers within a building site or on other private land do not need a licence.

By law, you need to put up hoardings to:

• separate building works from the street
• ensure they're securely erected

If you do not do this, you could be fined up to £5,000 for non-compliance with a scaffolding licence.

Apply for a licence

Apply for a scaffolding, hoarding, crane or container licence

You'll need to tell us:

• company name
• company address
• your name
• your phone number
• site address
• date the work will start
• duration of the work
• approximate height and length of the hoarding or scaffolding
• main dimensions of the hoardings, scaffolding, cranes or containers over the public highway
• approximate height, length and type of the building material
• approximate width and area of the materials over the public highway

A licence is usually valid for 1 calendar month. If you need to extend the licence, contacy us before it expires. Email us at Transportation-Admin@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.

Costs

You need separate licences for:

• scaffolding
• hoardings
• each crane and container

You'll need to pay a non-refundable pre and post site inspection fee of £118 when you make your application.

From 28 July 2025 to 31 March 2026, a licence for:

• scaffolding is £192 per month
• hoarding is £192 per month
• a crane is £434 per month
• a container is £483 per month

You'll also need to pay a refundable deposit (terms and conditions apply).

After you've applied

After you've submitted your application and paid the inspection fee, the following process applies:.

1. One of our inspectors will inspect the location and decide how much refundable deposit you need to pay to cover any damage that may be caused.
2. We'll call to let you know the amount payable.
3. You pay your deposit and licence fee in advance by cash, cheque, credit or debit card.
4. When we've received your payment we'll issue you with a licence number.
5. When you've completed your building work, contact us again to let us know.
6. Our inspector will revisit and inspect your site.

Damage to the highway

If there's no damaged to the highway, we'll refund your deposit. If there is damage to the highway, we'll deduct the cost of repairs from your deposit.

Conditions of the licence

We'll tell you all the conditions attached to the licence when we issue it.