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Do I Need a Permit for a Skip in Sussex?
Before you book a Rabbit skip – permits, access and placement – what you need to know
If your skip is going on a public road, pavement or verge, yes, you need a permit. If it is going on your driveway or in your garden, you do not. That is the short version.
Sussex is covered by three different permit authorities depending on where you live. This page explains which one applies to you, how much it costs, how long it takes and what we do on your behalf when you hire a Rabbit skip.
When you need a permit
- Public road or pavement outside your property
- Grass verge outside your house (verges count as highway)
- Council-owned parking bay (a parking bay suspension is usually needed too)
- Any land owned by the council, even if it looks private
When you do not need a permit
- Your own driveway
- Your garden, yard or back garden access
- Private land (ask the owner first)
- A private car park (again, check with whoever manages it)
Who issues permits in Sussex?
West Sussex County Council
West Sussex County Council is the highway authority for almost all of West Sussex. They issue permits for Worthing, Shoreham, Lancing, Southwick, Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, Chichester, Horsham, Crawley, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Steyning, Storrington, Pulborough and every other West Sussex address.
- Minimum 5 working days advance notice
- Permit lasts 14 calendar days, extensions available for a further fee
- A fast-track service is available for urgent jobs at an extra cost
- If the skip is going in a controlled parking zone, a bay suspension is needed alongside the permit
Brighton & Hove City Council
Brighton & Hove runs its own permit system separately from West Sussex. This covers Brighton, Hove and Portslade.
- Minimum 3 full working days notice for skip parking bay suspensions
- Most Brighton and Hove streets are controlled parking zones, so a bay suspension is usually required on top of the permit
- Urgent applications outside the standard window carry an extra fee
East Sussex Highways
East Sussex Highways handles permits for Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes, Newhaven, Seaford, Hailsham, Uckfield, Crowborough, Rye, Battle and the rest of East Sussex.
- Applications submitted through East Sussex Highways
- Fees vary by duration
- Notice periods similar to West Sussex
How much does a skip permit cost?
Permit fees are set by each authority and change from year to year. As a guide, West Sussex charges in the region of £80 for a 14-day permit. Brighton & Hove and East Sussex are in a similar bracket. Your quote at checkout will include the exact permit cost for your postcode so there are no surprises.
What Rabbit does for you
When you book a Rabbit skip and select the on-road option, we apply for the permit on your behalf. The fee is added to your hire cost. We handle the paperwork, the timings, the safety lights and the cones. If the council rejects the application (uncommon, but it happens for red routes, planned roadworks or disputed locations) we get in touch and talk through alternatives, usually a wait and load.
Safety requirements for a skip on the highway
Every skip placed on a public road must carry:
- Reflective markings on both traffic-facing ends
- Traffic cones at each end
- Lamps at night
- The owner’s name and phone number clearly marked on the skip
All of this is included in the price when you hire from Rabbit.
skip permit FAQs
How long does a skip permit last?
Typically 14 calendar days. If you need longer, we can apply for an extension for an additional fee.
Do I need a permit on the grass verge outside my house?
Yes. Grass verges count as highway. Driveways do not.
Can I move the skip once the permit is in place?
No. The permit covers a specific location. If the location needs to change, a new application is required.
Can I get a skip permit the same day?
No. West Sussex requires 5 working days, East Sussex is similar, Brighton & Hove needs 3 working days for the bay suspension. If you need waste gone quickly and cannot wait, ask about wait and load. The lorry stays with the skip for around half an hour while you fill it, then takes it away. No permit is needed because the skip never stays on the road.
What happens if a skip is on the road without a permit?
How do I check if a neighbour’s skip has a permit?
Look for the skip company’s name and number on the skip itself and ask them, or contact the relevant council. A quick word with the neighbour is usually the easiest option.
Book a Rabbit skip and we handle the permit
Enter your postcode, pick your skip size, select on-road at checkout and we take care of the rest. If you are not sure whether you need a permit, give us a call on 01903 762020 and we will talk it through.
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