About dropped kerbs

A vehicle dropped kerb – also called a dropped crossing – is a section of pavement or verge built to allow access to a property. Works to install a dropped kerb are carried out by contractors who are accredited under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.

The Highways Act 1980 states that vehicles shouldn’t be driven over the pavement unless a vehicle crossing (dropped kerb) is installed to prevent damage to the pavement and anything underneath it.

If you want to install a new dropped kerb to access a property, or extend an existing dropped kerb, you will need our permission.

Dimensions

Vehicles must have enough room to park without overhanging any pavements or roads. Your front garden must be at least 4.8 metres long from front to back. If the proposed dropped kerb is in front of a bay window, the 4.8 metres required is measured from the edge of the outer wall of the bay window. If the proposed dropped kerb is in front of a garage or a front door, the minimum length will increase to 5.5 metres.

The minimum and standard width of a vehicle dropped kerb is 2.7 metres. The width can be increased to a maximum of 4.5 metres.

Planning permission

Planning permission might be needed if access to the property fronts onto a classified road (an A, B or C road) such as the A370. 

You may also require planning permission if the property is

• a listed building
• in a Conservation Area
• in an area under an Article 4 Direction
• anything other than a house

Additionally, associated works may require planning consent. For example, if significant excavation or the erection of a retaining wall is required to form a parking area.

To find out if you need planning permission, you can use our pre-application advice service, or you can visit the Planning Portal website. 

Note that permission of a dropped kerb doesn’t mean permission will be granted for future developments of that property or piece of land.

Reduced fees apply if you have approved planning consent which is current and relates to highway access proposals at your property. You need to quote your planning reference number when you pay.

Parking arrangements

We will not consider applications that reduce or affect parking arrangements, for example a layby or on-street parking bays.

Camber and/or Gradient

A high camber or inclined vehicle crossing can create grounding issues for either the front or rear overhang of a vehicle. You will need to discuss this carefully with your contractor.

Land ownership

If you live in a rented property or where access is required over third party land (including housing association land), you will require written consent from the landlord/landowner to build or change a vehicle dropped kerb.

Available space

You’ll need to make sure you have enough space within your property boundary (please see the dimensions in our dropped kerb policy) so vehicles do not overhang onto the public highway even if you sell the property on.

Highway infrastructure

You’ll need our permission if a highway asset such as a streetlight or road sign needs to be moved. If this is agreed you’ll have to cover the costs associated with the move. 

Street furniture and public utilities

The location of street furniture, trees or utility equipment must be clearly shown when submitting an application. Where any existing highway infrastructure or utility equipment needs to be moved (subject to approval from the relevant authority) you will be responsible for any associated costs.

Trees

Dropped kerbs need to be positioned to avoid any trees in the footway or verge, including root systems. Where applicable engineered solutions to bridge over tree roots should be submitted as part of any completed application.

Highway verge

Preservation of grass areas benefits the local streetscape and can also help reduce surface water run-off. Applications where highway verge is affected will be considered on a case by case basis.

Secondary crossing

For reasons of road safety, and to minimise the loss of available on-street kerb-side parking, one dropped kerb is permitted per property. You can apply for a second dropped kerb at a property under certain circumstances – see our dropped kerb policy for more information. 

Cost of the work

Costs vary according to the amount of work that needs to be done and the contractor you use. The cost of a standard dropped kerb is likely to be upwards of £1,000. Other factors may increase the cost, for example if street lights, signs or utilities need to be relocated.