NEW guidance has been issued by the city council to make it clear what is expected of people who want to put up scaffolding in Leicester.
Leicester City Council’s new policy on skips, scaffolding and hoarding licences covers a host of things which applicants or contractors must consider when applying for licences, which need to be in place before work can begin.
The idea is to bring all of the information needed together in one place, so that it is easier for people to ensure they are complying with the rules.
City mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Whilst we know that many scaffold companies operate responsibly, we also know that some do not. This is not acceptable – they must comply with our licensing requirements for works on the highway, and they must operate in a safe manner at all times. That’s why we have updated our policy to make sure this information is easily accessible – so that there can be no excuse for those who do not comply; and so that we can take swift action against them.”
Deputy city mayor Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, who is responsible for regulatory services, licensing and enforcement, added: “We developed this new guidance after consulting with representatives from the scaffolding trade, who have welcomed the clarity it provides.
“Responsible operators know that our licensing process is there for a reason – to ensure safety. This is, of course, vitally important for both members of the public and those who work in the trade.
“If you are a householder in need of a scaffolding service, be aware that there is a lead-in time in applying for a licence, as well as a cost involved. Make sure you ask your contractor about their licence. If a quote seems too good to be true or too quick, check that they are applying for a licence and ask to see their application.”
Scaffold licences have been needed for works on the highways for many years. The new document aims to be very clear on the requirements regarding licensing, but also sets out associated considerations - such as traffic management and how to work around existing street furniture, trees, and utilities.
The rules include:
- Scaffolders need to apply for a licence well in advance of the date they wish to install scaffolding on the highway, excepting genuine emergencies for safety reasons. This is to give the council time to properly consider and determine the application.
- The application process includes the need to provide adequate supporting information, including site plans and traffic management arrangements. This is a basic requirement to demonstrate that applicants have considered the risks and have adequate safety arrangements in place.
- There is also a section on skips, which also need to be licensed – even if they are only on the highway for a short time.
If the terms and conditions of a licence are breached, officers from the city council initially contact the licence holder to let them know and to ask them to rectify the problem within 24 hours. A continued breach - or where there is no licence in place - can lead to prosecution.
The guidance is available online at https://www.leicester.gov.uk/business/licences-and-permits/trade-and-industry/skips-scaffolding-and-hoarding-licensing/
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