A dropped kerb, also often referred to as a vehicle crossing, is a section of pavement that allows vehicles to cross from the road to a driveway.
A licence is needed before any work can be carried out to create a new dropped kerb or extend an existing dropped kerb or access ramp.
A contractor must apply for a licence on your behalf. Licences cost £308
Please read the guidance below before deciding whether to appoint a contractor to make an application for you.
Contractors that have already been appointed can apply for a licence here.
If you want to create a new access onto the highway or verge and there are no kerbs to be dropped, please contact our team on 0345 155 1004 to discuss whether you need to apply for a licence.
Before appointing a contractor
Take a look at the following questions and considerations. Your answers may mean that construction of a dropped kerb outside your property is not possible or that additional work will be required at extra cost.
Pre-application checklist
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Do you require planning permission?
You must check with your local district, city or borough council to find out if planning permission is required. Planning permission will usually be required if your access leads directly onto a classified (A, B or C) road or forms part of a larger development proposal, and in some other circumstances, for example, if your property is a listed building or within a conservation area.
For more information about planning permission please see the Planning Portal website.
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Do you have enough room on your driveway to fit a standard vehicle?
There must be room for a standard-sized vehicle so that it does not stick out onto the footway. A clear minimum of 5 m depth and 2.7 m width is required. The type of vehicle you own will not be taken into account. There is no set maximum depth or width, but each site will be assessed for safety, feasibility, and the potential impact on local parking.
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Is the site clear of any parking restrictions such as parking bays or bus stops?
It may be possible to amend restrictions, but the process can cost £3,000 and will cause long delays to the application process.
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Is the site clear of obstacles such as road signs or streetlights?
It may be possible to move the obstacles, but it can cost up to £3,000 and will cause delays to the application process.
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Are there any utility covers near the location of the proposed dropped kerb?
If there are, you will need to contact the utility company to arrange for it to be removed or modified. Utility companies usually charge for this.
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Are there any trees on the footway or verge nearby?
If a tree is present we may be unable to approve the dropped kerb, but each case will be considered individually.
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Is your proposed site far enough away from the nearest junction?
You need to be 15 metres from an A, B or C road or 10 metres from a minor road.
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Is there good visibility?
Walls, hedges or other obstructions may mean that we are unable to approve the dropped kerb.
Only when you are sure that all the conditions required for a dropped kerb can be met should you go ahead with appointing a contractor to apply for a licence on your behalf.
It is unlikely that full refunds will be issued if proper checks have not taken place prior to applications being received.
Likely construction costs
The cost of the work will vary depending on the contractor you choose, and the specification of the crossing required but it will probably be somewhere between £1,500 and £3,000. The cost will increase if there are obstructions or restrictions or both that need moving or removing.
If you are unsure which contractor to use, we suggest using the Buy with Confidence scheme.
We carry out random inspections both during and after construction to ensure the work is carried out satisfactorily. The work is subject to a 2-year maintenance period for which you will be liable.