Construction Firm Fined for Illegal Scaffolding

A construction firm in Newport has been fined £3k for illegally erecting scaffolding in Wiltshire, between May 2020 and June 2021.

The scaffold was erected without a license from Wiltshire Council and without proof of public liability insurance. In addition, an illegal walkway constructed on the road failed to comply with highway safety, did not allow access to public bins and blocked disabled parking bays marked on the road.

The scaffold was erected on a Cinema, with a spokesperson for the cinema itself stating that they had provided the full cost of the license to the scaffolding company, who had subsequently failed to apply for the license, even after multiple requests from council highway officers.

Speaking of this blatant disregard for scaffolding requirements, Mark McClelland, a cabinet member for highways has said:

“This prosecution sends out a clear message that we do not tolerate the risks associated with unlicensed scaffolding being erected on the public highway in Wiltshire, and we will take action.

This sort of unlicensed work presents a risk to public safety and a nuisance to users of the public highway. It is the responsibility of the scaffolding company to ensure they are fully licenced and to provide the necessary public liability insurance, to protect the public.”

Highways and Pavement Licensing is an essential aspect for a scaffold hirer or scaffolding company when erecting a scaffold on or adjacent to a public highway. You can find out more information on these licenses and the process of applying on our Toolbox Talk here.