Introduction
Licences for objects on the highway
You need permission to place an object on the public highway that will cause an obstruction. An object can be any physical thing that will obstruct the free movement of people on the public highway. Most commonly, this includes ‘A’ board advertising structures, tables and chairs and promotional activity.
- Apply for a pavement licence under the new legislation
- Existing tables and chairs consent, and other objects on the highway - application and renewal information
Permission for items such as cranes, skips, scaffolding, highways occupation and highways projection are available from Gloucestershire County Council.
Our Special procedure for occasional street trading and objects on the highway provides special guidance for applications for occasional street trading or consent to place objects on the highway where the application(s) relates to some form of promotional activity.
What is a “public highway”?
Though the term highway is popularly used to refer to roads, its legal definition covers any public road, track or path. Historically, a highway, which was also referred to as ‘the King’s highway’, was defined as a public passage for the use of the sovereign and all his or her subjects. The Highway Act 1835 defines highways as ‘all roads, bridges, carriageways, cartways, horseways, bridleways, footways, causeways, churchways and pavements’.
It is important to note that privately maintained highway can also be classed as public highway if there exists a public right of way over it.
If you are unsure about the legal status of any highway, please contact us. You can also refer to our licensing policy for more guidance.