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.
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 | KCC 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 and/or plans.
If you have any questions, email the relevant street works team below.
| District | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Ashford, Canterbury, and Swale | StreetworksEastCentral@kent.gov.uk |
| Dartford, Gravesham, and Sevenoaks | StreetworksWest@kent.gov.uk |
| Dover, Folkestone and Hythe, and Thanet | StreetworksEast@kent.gov.uk |
| Maidstone, Tonbridge and Malling, and Tunbridge Wells | StreetworksWestCentral@kent.gov.uk |
Cost
| Street reinstatement category | 0, 1, and 2 | 3 and 4 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Street sensitivity | Non-traffic sensitive | Traffic sensitive | Non-traffic sensitive | Traffic sensitive |
| Time and location | During non-traffic sensitive times/location | Any part during traffic sensitive times at traffic sensitive locations | During non-traffic sensitive times/location | Any part during traffic sensitive times at traffic sensitive locations |
| Provisional advance authorisation | £78 | £90 | £73 | £87 |
| Major | £203 variation fee: £45 | £230 variation fee: £45 | £146 variation fee: £45 | £225 variation fee: £45 |
| Standard | £117 variation fee: £45 | £130 variation fee: £45 | £70 variation fee: £35 | £130 variation fee: £45 |
| Minor | £59 variation fee: £45 | £65 variation fee: £45 | £0 no permit or variation fee | £65 variation fee: £45 |
| Immediate | £51 variation fee: £45 | £60 variation fee: £45 | £0 no permit or variation fee | £57 variation fee: £45 |
Download a copy of the current fees (PDF, 26.9 KB).
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, 11.0 KB)
- Kent Permit Scheme annual report (PDF, 687.9 KB)