A dropped kerb — formally known as a vehicular crossover — allows vehicles to cross from the public highway onto a private driveway without damaging the kerb or footpath. If you want off-street parking and your property currently has a standard raised kerb at the boundary, you will need one. But you cannot simply hire a contractor and have it done: the highway is public land, and all dropped kerb work requires formal consent from your local highway authority.
How Much Does a Dropped Kerb Cost?
Costs vary significantly depending on your highway authority, the material of the footpath, how wide the crossover needs to be, and whether utility services run beneath the footpath.
| Cost element | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Highway authority application fee | £75–£300 |
| Highway authority construction charge (council-completed work) | £500–£1,800 |
| Private contractor installation (where council allows) | £600–£2,000 |
| Reinstatement of utility covers/services (if affected) | £200–£800 |
| Private driveway preparation (separate to crossover) | £500–£3,000+ |
In London, dropped kerb work is nearly always carried out directly by the borough’s highway team or an approved contractor on their framework — costs tend to be at the higher end, often £1,500–£3,000 total. In many other areas, you apply to the council for permission, then hire your own approved contractor to carry out the work to their specification.
A typical straightforward installation — standard concrete footpath, no utilities, 3–4 metre crossover width — costs £800–£1,500 in most of England outside London.
Do You Need Planning Permission?
In most cases, you do not need planning permission for the dropped kerb itself. The work falls under permitted development rights. However, you do need:
- Highway authority consent — always required. The council owns the footpath and carriageway, so any work on it legally requires their permission.
- Planning permission if you are creating a new driveway on a front garden larger than 5m² — unless the surface is permeable (gravel, permeable block paving, etc.). This requirement comes from changes made to the General Permitted Development Order in 2008 to combat surface water flooding.
Check with your local planning authority if you are unsure. Conservation areas and listed buildings may have additional restrictions.
How to Apply for a Dropped Kerb
The process differs slightly by council but follows a broadly similar pattern across England and Wales:
Step 1: Check feasibility Before applying, assess whether a crossover is practical. Highway authorities will typically refuse consent where:
- There is a traffic light or pedestrian crossing nearby (usually within 10–15 metres)
- The road is classified (A or B road) in some circumstances
- The sight lines from your proposed access are insufficient for safe exit
- Trees, lamp posts, bus stops, or utility apparatus cannot be relocated
Step 2: Submit an application Most councils now have an online application portal. You will typically need to provide:
- The address and property details
- A site plan or map showing the proposed crossover location
- Details of the driveway surface material (relevant for planning purposes)
- Payment of the application fee
Step 3: Survey and approval A highways officer will inspect the site, check utility records, and issue a formal approval with conditions. This typically takes 4–12 weeks; some authorities are slower.
Step 4: The work Depending on your council’s policy, you will either:
- Pay the council to carry out the work using their own team or approved contractor, or
- Hire a council-approved private contractor, who must work to the highway authority’s specification and standards
Never instruct any contractor to start work on the footpath or carriageway before written approval is received. Unauthorised work on the highway is an offence under the Highways Act 1980 and the council can require you to reinstate the kerb at your own expense.
Step 5: Reinstatement bond (sometimes required) Some authorities require a bond or deposit to ensure the work is completed properly. This is returned once the work has been inspected and approved.
Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
The process is broadly similar across the UK, but administered by local councils (Scotland), local authorities (Wales), or the Roads Service/Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland). In Scotland, the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 applies; in Wales, the Highways Act 1980 still applies with some Welsh-specific guidance.
What Makes a Good Dropped Kerb?
The specification for a vehicular crossover varies by highway authority, but common requirements include:
- Crossover width: Typically a minimum of 2.4 metres (sufficient for one car), with a maximum that varies by authority — often 4.8 metres for a double crossover
- Gradient: The crossover must not create a trip hazard for pedestrians; typically a maximum gradient of 1:10–1:15 is specified
- Material: Normally high-strength concrete kerb units to BS EN 1340, or in conservation areas, reclaimed granite sets to match existing
- Drainage: The new surface must not drain onto the public footpath or carriageway
Common Reasons for Refusal
- Insufficient sight lines for vehicles exiting safely
- The crossover would remove the last remaining on-street parking in a congested street
- Protected trees within root protection areas of the footpath
- Active gas, electric, or telecoms ducts that cannot be moved economically
- The frontage is too narrow to provide a usable parking space
If your application is refused, ask the highway authority for the specific reasons in writing. In some cases, minor amendments to the location or width can resolve the issue. Formal appeal processes exist but are rarely used for crossovers.
Driveway Considerations Beyond the Kerb
The dropped kerb is the highway boundary. Once vehicles cross onto your property, you are responsible for the surface. A functional 2-car parking space typically needs:
- Dimensions: Minimum 4.8m × 2.4m per car space (5.5m × 2.5m is more comfortable)
- Surface: Must be permeable if the area exceeds 5m² (see planning rules above), or surface water must drain to a lawn or border — not to the highway
- Gradient: Flat or sloping away from the property is ideal; steep gradients can cause vehicles to ground on the crossover
Budget £50–£150/m² for block paving, £20–£50/m² for gravel, or £80–£180/m² for resin-bound surfacing.
