Introduction

Hiring a crane in London might seem straightforward, but without the right planning and understanding, it’s easy to run into delays, extra costs, or even serious safety risks. From access constraints to legal responsibilities, London poses a unique set of challenges for lifting operations. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common mistakes people make when hiring a crane in the capital — and how to avoid them.

1. Underestimating Site Access Restrictions

One of the most overlooked issues in crane hire is restricted access. London’s roads are often narrow, congested, and surrounded by residential or commercial buildings. Turning up with a crane that physically can’t fit or manoeuvre safely is not only costly, it can bring your project to a halt.

How to avoid it:
Conduct a site survey in advance. At Complete Lifting Services, we assess access points and advise on the most suitable crane, such as compact city cranes or lorry-mounted options for tight urban environments.

2. Not Having a Lift Plan in Place

Every lifting operation, no matter how small, requires proper planning. A lift plan isn’t just best practice, it’s a critical part of complying with BS7121-1:2016, the code of practice for the safe use of cranes. Failing to prepare one could leave you legally exposed if something goes wrong.

How to avoid it:
Use a professional crane hire provider who can handle the lift planning for you. With a contract lift, we take full responsibility for planning and execution, providing all documentation and qualified personnel.

3. Choosing the Wrong Type or Size of Crane

Hiring a crane that’s too large for the site, or too small for the lift, can cause unnecessary expense and safety risks. London’s urban jobs often demand specific types of cranes that balance reach, height, and compactness.

How to avoid it:
Discuss your lift in detail with a knowledgeable hire company. Our mobile crane hire services in London include expert guidance to ensure the crane selected is fit for purpose.

4. Forgetting About Permits and Parking Restrictions

Crane operations in public areas, especially in London boroughs, often require local authority permits, traffic management plans, or parking bay suspensions. Ignoring this can lead to fines or last-minute cancellations.

How to avoid it:
Plan ahead. When you book with Complete Lifting Services, we can advise on what permissions may be needed and help guide you through the application process.

5. Assuming Insurance is Automatically Included

Not all crane hire arrangements include insurance. If you opt for “crane hire only” (where you supply your own lift supervisor, plan, and insurance), you’re legally responsible for the operation — including any damage or injury caused.

How to avoid it:
If you don’t have the required coverage or personnel, choose a contract lift instead. This way, Complete Lifting Services covers the insurance, lifting team, and planning responsibilities.

Final Thoughts

Lifting in London comes with a set of challenges — from space limitations to regulatory hurdles. But with the right preparation and expert support, these can be navigated with ease. Avoiding the common pitfalls listed above ensures your crane hire runs smoothly, safely, and on schedule.

If you’re planning a lift in London and want expert advice from the start, explore our mobile crane hire services or contact our team today.