Section 50 street works licence to install and work on apparatus
Under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA), a Section 50 licence permits individuals or organisations without statutory rights, such as private residents, developers, or commercial entities, to install, maintain, and remove apparatus within the public highway. This includes any necessary works such as excavation, tunnelling, or reinstatement.
Apparatus may include:
- drains
- fibre optic cables
- ducts
- sewer, water, or gas pipes
- other infrastructure like chambers, valves, or junction boxes and even electric vehicle charging points
Once granted, the licence holder is treated as a statutory undertaker and must comply with the duties and responsibilities outlined in NRSWA, the Traffic Management Act 2004 (TMA), and associated regulations and codes of practice. These include safety standards, reinstatement specifications, and coordination protocols.
Who can apply
A company or contractor may apply on behalf of the land or property owner, but the licence application must be signed by and will remain in the possession of the land or property owner.
Notice period
At least one months notice is required for all applications. Emergency and urgent works can be facilitated where there is a danger or loss of service or supply and you must notify us directly within 2 hours of starting the work.
Apply for a licence
See the application process for:
If you need to install new apparatus as part of repairs to existing equipment, you must apply to install new apparatus.