You'll need to apply for a licence, for example, if you wish to attach decorations such as hanging baskets or Christmas lights to lamp posts - also known as lighting columns - in your village or town.
If you're thinking of applying for an 'attachment to lighting column licence' you'll need to be aware of the following:
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You have a legal duty that anyone hired to attach permanent or temporary decorations to a street lighting column is competent to do so and that risk assessments and method statements are in place before works commence.
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You'll need evidence that the person carrying out the work is competent to use equipment needed to install, maintain and remove the attachment, whether or not access to equipment inside the lighting column is needed. You may also need to obtain a permit to work on the highway.
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It's recommended that a contractor registered under the Highways Electrical Registration Scheme (HERS) carries out the work. These contractors will have the appropriate competencies to carry out works on street lighting equipment.
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If you're using equipment that needs an electrical connection to a street light column, for example Christmas lights, this electricity is unmetered.
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You'll need to agree an unmetered load certificate with your local electricity company and then register your certificate with your chosen electricity supplier. You must make payment directly to your chosen supplier for the electricity used - failure to do this may result in prosecution for theft of electricity by the supplier.
For more information contact Call Derbyshire, tel: 01629 533190 or email: contact.centre@derbyshire.gov.uk
Apply for a licence to attach equipment to street lights
Application guidance notes are attached to this page.