A dropped kerb lets you cross the pavement to access a driveway. You don’t just need planning permission — you need separate approval from the highways authority. Here’s the full process.
A dropped kerb (also called a vehicle crossover or vehicular access) is where the kerb between the road and pavement is lowered to allow vehicles to drive over it onto a driveway. It also usually involves raising the level of the pavement or installing a hardened crossing surface to take vehicle loads.
Dropped kerbs are essential for any driveway that requires vehicles to cross a pavement. Driving over a normal kerb is illegal and can damage both the kerb and vehicle.
Yes. A dropped kerb always requires permission from the local highways authority — regardless of whether your driveway needs planning permission. This is because the highway (including the pavement) is public land maintained by the council.
You may need both highways authority approval (for the dropped kerb) and planning permission (for the driveway itself if non-permeable over 5m²). These are entirely separate applications to different departments within the council.
In some areas, the council also requires a separate planning application for a vehicle crossover before they will approve the highways works. Check with your local authority — requirements vary.
The application process typically works as follows:
| Approval Type | Who Grants It | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Highways approval | Local highways authority | The dropped kerb and vehicle crossover on public highway |
| Planning permission | Local planning authority | The driveway itself on your private land (only if non-permeable over 5m²) |
| Element | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Application fee | Free – £250 depending on council |
| Council installation (standard single crossover) | £1,000 – £2,000 |
| Council installation (wider or complex crossover) | £2,000 – £4,000 |
| Reinstatement of existing crossover | £500 – £1,500 |
Common grounds for refusal: within 10m of a road junction; poor sight lines; classified road; pavement too narrow; insufficient space on property to park clear of pavement. If refused, you can appeal or modify the proposal.
An illegal dropped kerb is one installed without highways authority approval. If you have an existing unapproved crossover, you may be required to reinstate the kerb at your own expense. The council can also issue an enforcement notice. Check approval status when buying a property.
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