Streets and street scene

First point of information

Anyone wishing to construct a private vehicle access from the highway into their property must apply to us for permission to do so under the Section 184 Highways Act 1980.

Applications apply to any proposed new dropped kerb, including an extension of an existing dropped kerb, or a property that does not have a kerb outside but still wishes to enter the property from the highway. The license also applies to anyone with an informative on an approved planning permission.

The application is for the license only and not for the works themselves. Applicants are responsible for all costs of the actual construction worked involved.

Work must not commence until written authorisation is issued.

Applications

You can download our Vehicle Crossing Application Form 2024 (PDF) [1MB] (opens new window)  which can also be found in the downloads section.

Please read the guidance notes and highway specification fully as these may answer any questions you have.

Our turnaround for applications is up to 15 weeks unless there is a complication with the application. Please plan accordingly to accommodate this. 

Please see the subject information notice found in the downloads section for information on how we will use the data you supply as part of your application.

Telephone 01225 713352

Email vehicleaccess@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window)

Fees

Our fees are reviewed each year and are non-refundable.

Vehicle Crossing Licence Fee for Standard Applications

Applications for the creation or extension of a vehicle access : £265.00.

For a certificate of lawful use of an access that has been unlawfully created: contact the team for more information.

Vehicle Crossing Licence Fee for Commercial Developments

Applications for the creation of a vehicle access onto a commercial development : £1060.00.

Administration Fees

Requests for re-issuing of a licence : £35.00.

Requests for a change of contractor on a licence and re-issue: £35.00.

Requests for copies of licences or completion certificates following their misplacement: £35.00.

Transfer of Application Fees

Requests for changing the applicant to a new applicant on live applications: £40.00.

Requests for changing the applicant to a new applicant on granted applications that have not been signed off as completed to highway specification: £40.00.

Additional Inspection Fee

Requests for any inspection conducted after 18 months of the licence being issued: £75.00.

Frequently asked questions

Can you post an application to me?

As we streamline the service we are moving towards digital applications. If you are unable to access our application form digitally then we can post one to you.

Will I need planning permission to construct an access?

In some cases, planning permission will be required. As part of our application we will make enquiries about planning on your behalf to the council's planning department. 

Can I have the licence without choosing a contractor?

Our license must have a contractor attached as we need to know that they have the correct insurance and liability cover, as well as the correct qualifications to undertake the works.

Do you have a list of Approved contractors?

We do not have a list of Approved contractors, you are able to nominate any contractor as long as they have the relevant StreetWorks accreditation (SWQR for Operatives) as well as Public Liability Insurance for a minimum of £5 Million. 

Street light maintenance

We are responsible for the following street furniture maintained on its behalf by Ringway Infrastructure Services (RIS).

• Street lighting columns
• Illuminated road signs
• Illuminated traffic bollards
• School twin flashing lights
• Zebra crossing flashing amber beacons
• Bus shelter lights (for Passenger information update systems please contact Bus) 

Report a fault with a street light online or contact us directly. 

The majority of electrical cables supplying street lighting are owned by the electricity supply company SSE. If you are a contractor and an electric cable strike occurs, it should be reported directly to SSE Emergency/Cable Strike team on 0800 0727282. You will need to provide full location details such as street and town, or the post code. The damaged cable should not be covered over in anyway, and the responsible contractor should remain on site until SSE attend and make safe, which should be within two hours of reporting the issue.

To find out more about the ongoing LED street lighting project in Wiltshire see our dedicated page.

Wiltshire council both actively and routinely maintains the following areas to ensure they do not pose any threats:

• Grass cutting
• Hedge maintenance. Privately-owned hedges are the responsibility of the land owner
• Trees.  Trees in conservation areas need permission before work is carried out
• Weeds and spraying operations
• Shrub maintenance

• We remove dead wild animals (such as badgers, foxes, and deer) along with domestic pets (such as cats and dogs) from all roads and public spaces
• If a carcass is obviously a pet, we will try to find the owner (through the pet's collar or microchip) and store the carcass for a period of one week prior to disposal
• We do not collect any animal smaller than a domestic cat. If you find a dead animal of smaller size, you can either deal with it yourself by double bagging the animal and putting it in the domestic waste bin, or leave the animal to decompose naturally
• Animals will be removed within the statutory timescale unless the carcass is hazardous
• If you find more than five dead swans, wild gulls, waders or ducks, please contact the DEFRA (opens new window) Helpline on 08459 33 55 77, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. You will be asked for details of the birds and the location
• We do not remove farm animals (such as cows, sheep or pigs), and you should report any dead farm animals to the owner. We do not collect dead animals from private property
• We use a specialised team to remove dead animals and, unless a road is being blocked, the dead animal may be left in place until our next scheduled visit to the area

Banners, hanging baskets, festive and Christmas lighting can add greatly to the appearance of towns and villages, especially during Christmas and special events, and are encouraged as they can play an important role in community life. If you are intending to use street lighting columns, make connections to them, or place decorations across the road, you will need to get permission.

Guidance notes and the relevant forms are available below.