Kent Permit Scheme
All work that takes place on a publicly maintainable highway needs a permit.
Works on private streets do not require a permit although permission should be sought from the street owner before any works take place.
The Kent Permit Scheme manages Kent's road network by planning and scheduling all work on the publicly maintainable highways. By using this scheme road users have less disruption but the work can still happen.
If you need further details about the Kent Permit Scheme, you must contact our street works teams directly using the contact details below.
If you need us to investigate any faults or problems on our roads use our online reporting tool.
Types of permits
| Type | Description | Minimum application time before proposed start date | Our response time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provisional Advance Authorisation (PAA) | Needed before you apply for a major permit. | 3 months | 1 month |
| Major | You need provisional advance authorisation before you apply for this. For work that lasts 11 or more days or needs a temporary traffic order. | 10 days | 5 days |
| Standard | For work that lasts between 4 and 10 working days. | 10 days | 5 days |
| Minor | For work that lasts 3 working days or less. | 3 days | 2 days |
| Immediate | For urgent or emergency work. | 2 hours after | 2 days |
How to apply
Utility companies normally apply for any highway permits on behalf of their customers where required. To apply, utility companies must apply via Street Manager.
If you need to carry out private works, and are not a utility company, complete an application form (XLSX, 34.1 KB) and submit it to the relevant street works team.
Applicants are required to supply the following documentation along with permit applications:
- New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) accreditation for the operatives carrying out any works.
- Public Liability Insurance – a minimum of £5 million coverage.
- Applicable traffic management details or plans.
If you have any questions, email the relevant street works team:
- Ashford, Canterbury, and Swale
- Dover, Folkestone and Hythe, and Thanet
- Maidstone, Tonbridge and Malling, and Tunbridge Wells
- Dartford, Gravesham, and Sevenoaks
Cost
Category 0, 1 and 2 roads
Fees vary depending on whether the work will take place at traffic sensitive times or locations.
| Permit type | Non-traffic sensitive | Traffic sensitive |
|---|---|---|
| Provisional advance authorisation | £78 | £90 |
| Major | £203 + £45 variation fee | £230 + £45 variation fee |
| Standard | £117 + £45 variation fee | £130 + £45 variation fee |
| Minor | £59 + £45 variation fee | £65 + £45 variation fee |
| Immediate | £51 + £45 variation fee | £60 + £45 variation fee |
Category 3 and 4 roads
Fees vary depending on whether the work will take place at traffic sensitive times or locations.
| Permit type | Non-traffic sensitive | Traffic sensitive |
|---|---|---|
| Provisional advance authorisation | £73 | £87 |
| Major | £146 + £45 variation fee | £225 + £45 variation fee |
| Standard | £70 + £35 variation fee | £130 + £45 variation fee |
| Minor | £0 | £65 + £45 variation fee |
| Immediate | £0 | £57 + £45 variation fee |
Useful information
- Kent Permit Scheme Order 2015 (PDF, 58.5 KB)
- Kent Permit Scheme Schedule to KCC Permit Scheme Order 2015 (PDF, 1.4 MB)
- The Traffic Management (Kent County Council) Permit Scheme Order 2009
- Noise memorandum of understanding (PDF, 454.9 KB)
- Standard conditions (PDF, 15.1 KB)
- Kent Permit Scheme annual report (PDF, 687.9 KB)