Street trading

Street trading is selling or offering for sale any article in the street, such as from a van or stall. The term 'street' also includes part of any road, footway, beach or other area to which the public have access to without payment. You must also have land owner consent when on private land.

To be a street trader in Preston you have to apply to the Council for a street trading pitch. Street trading pitches allow you to operate on streets that allow street trading to take place.

Please note: Street trading at events where the public have paid to access the site do not need to apply for a street trading pitch.

Types of street traders

There two types of street traders:

• Fixed pitch - trading from a fixed location
• Mobile pitch - trading from a mobile vehicle (e.g. ice cream van)*

No new street pitches available

Unfortunately, there are currently no street trading pitches available in Preston (including the Flag Market). This is also the case for roaming traders such as ice cream vans.

Other Trading Opportunities

• Agree terms with a private land owner to operate from their land. You will need to contact the planning department to ensure that the land has the correct planning permissions; (if not your application may be refused)
• Preston Markets - There are trading opportunities within Preston Market Hall and Innovative Box Market. You may also wish to consider a stall on the Outdoor Market or Second Hand Market, follow the links for more details.
• Peddlers it is possible to trade as a peddler (i.e. someone who trades on foot). These Certificates are issued by the Police. For more information and how to apply see GOV.UK - how to apply for a pedlar's certificate.

• Pitches may be available from neighbouring local authorities such as:

  • South Ribble Council
  • Ribble Valley Borough Council
  • Wyre Council
  • Fylde Borough Council

Street trading consent renewals

Street trading consents are now being renewed annually (April-March).  The annual fee for 2024/2025 is £730.00. 

Renew your street trading consent permit

Application process

When we receive an application for street trading, we ask Lancashire County Council (as the Highways Authority) and Lancashire Constabulary for their views on the suitability of any proposed location.

We may, from time to time, also seek the views of others likely to be affected should consent be granted.

What happens if the application is successful?

If your application is successful and involves the sale of food, you will also need to register a food business before you can trade.

What happens if the application is refused?

If your application is refused, you have the right to appeal to a Magistrates Court within 21 days. We would urge to informally contact the Council to discuss the refusal in the first place.

You may wish to seek permission from neighbouring Councils or explore other trading opportunities.

Reasons for refusal

The most common reasons for refusal are:

• the location already has a street trading consent issued
• the location is close to another location for which a consent has been issued
• the Highways Authority or the Police have indicated the proposed location is unsafe (often for reasons around traffic control and ensuring clear lines of sight for drivers).