Information:
From 10 March 2025, we will only accept the online version of our Section 50 form. We still require a Road Space Booking form (word document) to be submitted with each section 50 application. You will receive this form in an email after submitting your online application.
You need a licence before you place apparatus on the highway, working on existing licensed apparatus and excavating the highway.
If you're not familiar with the requirements of the legislation, we strongly advise that you appoint a contractor or consultant with appropriate knowledge and accreditation, to help complete the application and to conduct the works on your behalf.
Under no circumstances should contractors conduct works without a licence.
When to apply for the Section 50 licence?
When to apply for a Section 50 licence
| Type of works | When to apply |
|---|
|
Minor works (up to 3 days)
|
At least 4 weeks before the proposed start date. |
|
Standard works (up to 10 days)
|
At least 4 weeks before, especially if there’s no major traffic management involved. |
|
Major utility works (up to 3 months)
|
Submit all documentation at least 3 months before the proposed start date. |
Works that affect a road or public right of way
In addition to a Section 50 licence, you may also need to apply for a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) if your works require temporarily closures to:
TTROs are separate from your Section 50 licence and can take up to 12 weeks to process, so you'll need to plan ahead.
How to apply
Steps to take to complete an application:
- Complete a Section 50 application form.
- Complete a Road space booking form (NRSWA) (DOC 36KB).
- Email the road space booking form to HighwaysSection50@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
- Pay for your licence using the payment link provided in the Section 50 confirmation email.
- Wait for a response within 10 working days – further documentation/payment may be requested.
- Attend a compulsory on-site meeting arranged by the NRSWA team.
- Receive confirmation of work dates after the meeting, depending on road space availability.
Documents you'll need
Additional documentation is required - include these with your application:
- Traffic Management plan, here's an example plan (PDF 153KB)
- Site plan - Satellite map screengrab or image taken with a smartphone
- Public liability insurance - We require at least £10 million from both the applicant and the company conducting the works if they are different entities. If the applicant and the company conducting the works are the same, only one set of public liability insurance of £10 million is required.
- SWQR cards (at least 1 operative and 1 supervisor) both containing hot and cold lay (Front and back card copies)
- Section 106 Approval Letter - Water Industry Act 1991 (If you are placing new apparatus on the highway or conducting work on existing licenced apparatus in the highway, we will need to see permission to connect.)
- Adoption Confirmation Section 104 Agreement (Water Industry Act 1991) - If you are working on a surface, sewer or storm connection which is to be adopted by the relevant authority, please attach proof of the Section 104 agreement in principle. If the apparatus is to remain under private ownership after installation, you are required to show proof of ongoing ownership and contact details.
If we do not have the required documentation, your application may be delayed or cancelled.
Payment and penalty notice
It costs £849.00 for a licence.
You will be provided with a payment link in the email you receive once you have submitted the section 50 form. To prevent delays to your application, we recommend paying as soon as possible. If you are having difficulties with the payment link, you can pay via phone or BACS.
Contact us
If a contractor has any questions relating to Section 50 licence process, please contact HighwaysSection50@hertfordshire.gov.uk.