I used to have my highways ticket when I worked for BT, in fact I still have all my gear, signs, cones,lights etc. Generally if it looks right you won't have a problem. Many years ago I had to close a lane on a main street in manchester (Oldham St),no highways tickets back then, I just spoke to the local police and they were fine, they sent someone round to look at the closure and that was it.
If you are doing any kind of work on the highway that may cause delays, even of a few minutes, you MUST inform the police. They in turn will inform the other emergency services so they are aware they may be held up if going to a shout. No matter if you have your ticket,or how well laid out the works are,if you delay the emergency services you'll end up with a butt kicking. They're pretty friendly, just inform them of the date of the works, the location of the works and the approximate start and finish times, they may send someone to look at it they may not.
Incidentally check with the council, they may provide the cover for traffic management.
