Road opening licence to excavate the public highway

Licence summary

A private company wishing to open the public highway for any reason, must have a road opening licence, (known as a section 50 or section 171/174 licence depending on the works to be carried out), in the name of the owner of the apparatus being installed. The operative(s) excavating or working on the highway must be accredited under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.

Examples of a Section 50 licence:

• New sewer connection
• New connection to gas main

Examples of a Section 171 licence:

• Repair to cable
• Repair to sewer connection
• Dropped crossing

Eligibility criteria

NRSWA accredited contractors can apply for this license only.

Required Documentation
• Evidence of £10 million Public Liability Insurance policy
• evidence that the supervisor and operatives that are to carry out the work are accredited under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991
• Include a site plan, to scale showing the location of the proposed works
• Traffic Management Plan

Fees will be applicable and conditions attached

• Licence fee £195
• Inspection Fee (4 x £52.50) £210
• Deposit £78 per m2 of reinstatement (minimum deposit £520)
• Fee for manual notices £26

Cheques payable to Southampton City Council

Regulation summary

Local Government guidance notes will be attached to each of our licences to outline any further requirements that we require from the applicant.

Application evaluation process
We will endeavour to process your application as quickly as possible. Due to the nature of this licence and third party interest we will aim to grant licences within 8 weeks of the application being made. This is subject to receiving all of the required documentation and the correct payment.

Will tacit consent apply?

No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the authority within a reasonable period, please contact us.

Applications

Apply by post, just print and fill in the appropriate downloadable form at the bottom of the page and return along with the requested documents to the address below:

Highways Service Partnership
City Depot and Recycling Park
First Avenue, Millbrook
Southampton
SO15 0LJ

Telephone: +44 (0)23 8079 8077
Fax: +44 (0)23 8051 2883
Email: SouthamptonNRSWA@bblivingplaces.com

Failed application and licence holder redress

Please contact the Local Authority in the first instance.
Applicants may appeal to the West Hampshire Magistrates' Court against refusal to issue a licence or against conditions of the licence.

Consumer Complaint
In the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK,
Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.