Petroleum storage certification

From 1 October 2014, the Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014 (opens new window) introduced the operation of a permitting system for the storage of petroleum under certain circumstances. If you are the owner of dispensing premises where petrol is kept, you need to hold a Petroleum Storage Certificate (known as a 'Storage Certificate') to comply with regulations. (Dispensing means manually or electronically pumping the spirit, rather than tipping it from a storage can).

The Storage Certificate for your dispensing premises is issued by your local Petroleum Enforcement Authority, known as the PEA (formerly the Petroleum Licensing Authority or PLA). In Wiltshire, this is the Public Protection Service at the Council.

• the keeper of fuel must apply to us for a Petroleum Storage Certificate (PSC). Any petroleum licence which expired after 1 October 2014 will be deemed to be a PSC under these 2014 regulations. 
• certificates are issued for the premises where the petrol is stored and dispensed, with no reference to a person or company (previously known as licensees) 
• certificates do not have an expiry date and remain in force until either major changes take place or the site ceases to operate for more than 12 months. 
• the keeper of the fuel must pay an annual fee which is calculated according to the maximum litreage of petrol stored at the site. The keeper can choose to pay for up to 10 years in advance.

We must be satisfied with the storage of petroleum at the site and the precautions that have been taken to minimise the risks presented by any storage of petroleum. The Dangerous Substances & Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (opens new window) put in place requirements so that any risks from the storage of petroleum spirit are reduced or eliminated. Further information and guidance has been published by the Health and Safety Executive (opens new window).

Apply for a Petroleum Storage Certificate

To apply for a storage certificate please complete the Petroleum Storage Certificate application form and email it to  publicprotectionwest@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window)  - or by post to the Public Protection Service, Wiltshire Council, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, BA14 8JN.  Please see information of fees for certification below.

Petroleum storage certificate - registration of keeper (PDF) [188KB] (opens new window)

Inspection or assessment of premises

For new applications or as regards material changes to existing certificates the premises will be inspected and assessed as part of the application process.

Conditions attached to the certificate

There are no conditions attached to the certificate.

Length of certificate validity and renewal

For dispensing premises , the certificate remains valid until there is a prescribed change or until petroleum has not been stored for a continuous period of 12 months. You are not required to renew the certificate but you must pay the annual fee. You will be sent a reminder when this renewal falls due. Formal civil enforcement action may be taken in the event of non-payment.

Transfer a certificate or notify of any changes that may affect the certificate

For dispensing premises the petroleum storage certificate remains with the dispensing premises. A new individual who takes over a certificated site must notify the Council before keeping petrol on the premises. The notification must be made in writing and must include:

• the individual's name and address
• the address of the dispensing premises
• the date on which the individual proposes to commence occupation of the premises

The notification must be given a maximum of 6 months and a minimum of 28 days before the date on which the individual proposes to keep petrol on the dispensing premises . On receipt of the transfer notification, you will be contacted to take the appropriate fee by telephone using a debit or credit card.

Lost petroleum storage certificate

If you need a replacement copy for your petroleum storage certificate please complete an application form and email it to publicprotectionwest@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) or by post to Public Protection Service, Wiltshire Council, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, BA14 8JN.  There is a charge for this service - Please see information on fees below.

Application for replacement of lost petroleum storage certificate (PDF) [94KB] (opens new window)

Petroleum Search

To request a petroleum search please complete and return the petroleum historical information request form.  Petroleum Search Request (PDF) [199KB] (opens new window)

Please email the request form to publicprotectionwest@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window). There is also a fee charged for this service.

Domestic and non-workplace storage

Petrol is highly flammable, explosive and toxic so it is better to avoid the storage of petrol at home. If you are storing it, there are laws that you need to follow: 

• apart from what is in your vehicle fuel tank, you can only transport petrol in securely closed containers designed for the purpose and marked 'petroleum' and 'highly flammable'. Make sure these containers are secured in the back of your vehicle when being transported
• filling your tank from a container should only be carried out in the open air
• store any containers in a garage or shed away from any other buildings. Do not keep it in the house. Make sure the area is well ventilated and away from naked flames or live electrical equipment
• check containers regularly for leaks. If you smell petrol fumes, ventilate the area and make sure nobody smokes or turns electrical switches on or off. The slightest spark could cause an explosion
• the regulations have provision for licensing domestic and non-workplace petrol storage where it is kept for private use only
• a person may keep up to 30 litres of petrol in suitable portable containers or in a single demountable fuel tank in a suitable storage place (See Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website (opens new window))
• a person keeping over 30 litres and less than 275 litres must notify the Council in writing with the name of the occupier, address of the premises, and confirmation that the petrol is stored in accordance with regulations
• a person keeping in excess of 275 litres will require a petroleum storage certificate; certificates are issued in the same manner as that described above