Introduction
If you need to put equipment in the street, such as traffic counters or survey equipment, you must apply for a Street Works Licence. This includes manual surveys. The licence does not cover normal roadworks such as kerbing or road realignment. Anyone placing or keeping equipment in the street must have a licence but Statutory Undertakers are exempt.
Your legal responsibilities
When you get a licence, you become an “Undertaker” under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991. This means you must follow all legal duties, pay any fees, and meet all responsibilities under the law.
Licence conditions
- Valid for up to one month.
- If you need multiple locations, extra fees apply, but you can include them in one application.
Special conditions may apply to:
- Ensure safety
- Avoid blocking the street (especially for disabled users)
- Protect the road and other equipment
- Meet traffic management duties
What you need to provide
- Public liability insurance of £5 million (must be up to date)
- Street works accreditation
- A current method statement for the works
- A competent person to install and manage the survey
- A map showing the general area (works are to be marked in red)
- Clear contact details on the equipment (including a 24/7 phone number)
- Signage for CCTV surveys
- Clean-up after removal and report any damage
Equipment responsibilities
Equipment must:
- Be removed within 24 hours after the licence expires.
- Be removed immediately if it becomes faulty or dangerous.
If you don’t remove equipment, we may do so. We are not responsible for any damage during removal.
Penalties
- You may be fined for non-compliance.
- If the road is damaged, you may be charged £47.50 per inspection.
- You are legally responsible for any damage or issues.
How to apply
Use this form to submit your application.
- Submit at least 10 working days before your survey start date.
- Submit 3 months in advance if your survey will last more than 11 days.
- Any attachments to Somerset Council illuminated assets must be pre-approved.