Pavement licences help make our streets are safe and accessible for all users including pedestrians, children, parents with buggies, disabled people, those using wheelchairs, crutches or walkers, and those with visual impairments, as well as vehicles.
They seek to create a 1.5m wide ‘safe space’ down which non-vehicular road users can move freely and safely, without the fear of being displaced into the highway that is reserved for vehicle use.
Pavement licences also ensure that in the event of an emergency, ambulances, police cars and fire engines can gain safe and easy access to the people or buildings that need their urgent support.
When issuing pavement licences, we aim to balance the needs of businesses and the public, while upholding safety, equality and legal standards.
If you have a business selling food or drink and want to place furniture such as tables and chairs on the pavement anywhere in the district, you must first apply for a pavement licence.