Licence for using a crane over a highway

Licence needed for using either a tower crane, or mobile crane, on or above the adopted highway.

This licence is a Section 178 Licence. You’ll need a separate 178 licence for tower cranes and mobile cranes. 

A mobile crane covers the use of cherry pickers, mobile elevated platform (MEWPS) and Hiabs.

Apply for a licence 

For a tower crane

Complete and return the Section 178 tower crane licence (word doc, 94KB) (opens new window) .

You’ll need to include a:

• cheque for the fee of £335 made payable to Bristol City Council
• site plan showing crane centre and circle swept by end of jib, also the adjacent roads
• drawing showing the crane foundation, if applicable
• design certificate for the crane foundation: proforma available, if applicable
• copy of Public Liability Insurance cover to the minimum value of £5,000,000 per incident
• confirmation of measures to ensure no physical clashing of any parts with adjacent cranes, if applicable

For a mobile crane

Complete and return the Section 178 mobile crane licence (word doc, 96KB) (opens new window) . 

You’ll need to include a:

• cheque for the fee of £335 made payable to Bristol City Council
• site plan showing crane centre and circle swept by end of jib, also the adjacent roads
• copy of Public Liability Insurance cover to the minimum value of £5,000,000 per incident
• confirmation of measures to ensure no physical clashing of any parts with adjacent cranes, if applicable

What happens next

You’ll need to allow 10 working days for your crane permit to be processed. We’ll return your permit to you by email.

Your application and tacit consent

Tacit consent does not apply for this licence. You must wait until you receive your licence from us.