Permit to occupy a public road

Crane and platform guidance

Permission is required to place a mobile crane or elevated platform on any part of the adopted road or footway. This is granted by The Highland Council, as the Roads Authority, under Section 58 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984.

Placing equipment without a valid permit is an offence and may result in enforcement action.

What the permit covers

This permit only allows for the placement of a mobile crane or elevated platform. It does not include:

  • road or footway closures
  • depositing building materials on the road or footway

Separate permissions must be obtained for these activities. Approval of other permits does not guarantee permission for crane or platform placement.

Placement of mobile crane or elevated platform on the adopted road or footway.

Safety and accessibility

All equipment must be:

  • operated by a competent and qualified person
  • used in line with current safety regulations
  • installed with consideration for visually impaired individuals and those with limited mobility

You must also:

  • maintain minimum carriageway and footway widths as specified
  • provide appropriate lighting, barriers, and traffic management
  • restore the road or footway to its original condition after the works

Notice periods and duration

A minimum of 7 days’ notice is required before starting work and we require a minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required for any extension requests.

We may limit the duration of the permit if the occupation period is considered excessive.

Page last modified: 21 August 2025