At this point, you’ve probably decided you want to hire a skip.
You know exactly what size container you need and exactly how long you need it for. But have you thought about where you’re going to leave it?
With everything else on your plate, it can easily slip your mind but it’s one of the most important things you need to consider.
Where you want to leave your skip will determine if you’ll need a permit for skip hire in Wigan or not – but how do you know if you need one or not?
Here’s everything you need to know.
When will I need a skip hire permit?
If you have the luxury of a spacious garden or driveway, then skip hire permits won’t be a problem for you, but if you’ll need to leave your skip on a public highway, like on the road or pavement, then you’ll need to obtain one from your local council.
As you can probably imagine though, it isn’t always as simple as this.
In some instances, you won’t need a permit if you’re leaving your skip on the roadside – such as if they’re not classed as a public highway or if the road hasn’t been adequately maintained by local authorities
There are usually restrictions as to what size skips can be on the roads, too.
This will vary from council to council, but usually, you won’t be authorised to keep a skip bigger than 8-cubic yards on any public road or pavement.
Why are they so important?
The point of a skip hire permit is to, first and foremost, ensure that a container is placed safely on public roads or pathways.
Skips can’t go where they would endanger road users, block access to a property, or reduce visibility for drivers or pedestrians at a junction or crossing point.
They’re also used as a way to control how many skips are on the roads at a time, as too many could pose serious issues.
It’s the responsibility of the skip hire company to apply for a licence, and you’ll need to contact a registered skip operator to do it on your behalf.
How long do they last and how much do they cost?
Usually, skip hire permits in Wigan last for a maximum of 28 days.
If you need a skip for longer than this, you’ll need a new licence application once your 28-day notice has expired.
According to Wigan Council, the fee for each skip licence in Wigan and surrounding areas is £40 – but again, this will vary depending on your local council and whereabouts in the town you’re based.
What happens if I don’t have a permit for a skip on public highways?
It’s illegal for a skip to be placed on a public highway without a hire permit and anybody found without one can have their skip removed without notice and face fines of up to £1,000.
If you suspect a skip has been placed on a public highway without a permit, you should contact the skip hire company to which the container belongs for further information.
Ready to hire a skip?
Now that you know everything there is to know about skip hire permits, what are you waiting for?
Find a local, reputable skip hire company in Wigan – like Wigan Skip Hire – and make your booking with them today, so you can finally get started with those all-important home improvement projects.