Builders' skip guidance
You must obtain permission from us, as the Roads Authority, to place a builders' skip on any part of the adopted road or footway. This is granted under Section 85 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984.
Placing a skip without a valid permit is an offence. Under Section 34 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005, we may issue a fixed penalty notice to the skip hire company and their client for failing to obtain or comply with a permit.
A minimum of 7 days’ notice is required before the skip is placed.
What the permit covers
This permit only allows for the placement of a skip. It does not include:
- road or footway closures
- placement of building materials
- planning or building consents
Separate permissions must be obtained for these activities. Approval of other permits does not guarantee permission for skip placement.
Placement and safety requirements
Skips must:
- not be larger than 5m long × 2m wide
- be marked, guarded, and lit in accordance with Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual
- display:
- the owner’s name and contact number
- markings in line with the Builder’s Skip (Markings) (Scotland) Regulations 1986
- comply with Motor Vehicles Construction and Use Regulations when transported
If more than one skip is approved, they must be placed as close together as possible and not block access to premises without the occupier’s consent
If pedestrians are diverted onto the road, barriers must be installed
At night, lamps must be placed on each corner of the skip (or row of skips) and between traffic cones
Usage and removal
Skips must:
- be filled safely to avoid danger to road users or pedestrians
- not contain flammable, explosive, noxious, or putrefying materials
- be emptied and removed as soon as possible, and within 2 working days of being filled
- be removed within the permitted period or within 24 hours if requested by the us or Police
Responsibility for damage
The applicant is responsible for any damage caused to the road or footway. If repairs are not made or maintained for 12 months, we may carry out the work and recover the cost.