If you want to drive from the road across a pavement or footway into a driveway, the vehicle access normally needs to be authorised by the relevant local highway authority. This is commonly called a dropped kerb or vehicle crossover.
The dropped kerb is separate from the driveway surface itself. You can have a driveway design that is acceptable in planning terms but still need highway approval before vehicles can lawfully cross the pavement. Equally, approval for a crossover does not automatically approve every other change to the front garden.
What is a dropped kerb?
A dropped kerb lowers part of the kerb and usually strengthens the section of pavement that vehicles cross. This helps protect pedestrians, the footway and buried services while providing a proper vehicle entrance to the property.
GOV.UK provides a postcode-based service that sends homeowners to the correct local council information for dropped-kerb applications. The exact process, fees, dimensions and approval criteria vary by authority, so local guidance should be checked before any work is arranged.
Do I need permission before creating a driveway entrance?
If a new access crosses a public footway, permission from the highway authority is normally required. The council may assess visibility, road safety, the position of junctions, trees, lamp columns, utility equipment, parking restrictions and the dimensions of the proposed parking area.
Some roads or properties can also trigger planning considerations. Examples may include classified roads, conservation areas, listed buildings or projects that involve significant changes to walls, frontage or drainage. These details vary locally.
Is a dropped kerb the same as planning permission?
No. They are related but separate checks. Planning permission deals with the development and use of land, while the highway authority controls the vehicle crossing over the public pavement or verge.
For the driveway surface itself, homeowners should also understand the national rules around front-garden drainage. Read our guide to driveway planning permission in England and our article on driveway drainage and permeable surfacing.
What can affect a dropped-kerb application?
Each council has its own detailed policy, but common assessment issues include whether a vehicle can be parked fully within the property, whether the access would be too close to a junction, visibility onto the road, street furniture, trees, utility covers and the effect on pedestrians.
Because criteria vary, avoid relying on measurements or approval examples from another council area. Use the GOV.UK dropped-kerb service to reach the current information for the property’s council.
Should the dropped kerb be sorted before the driveway?
It is usually sensible to investigate the vehicle access early. The approved crossover position and width can influence the driveway layout, gate opening, walls, planting, parking arrangement and drainage design. Planning the access late can mean redesigning work that has already been agreed.
When asking for a driveway quotation, tell the contractor whether the property already has an authorised dropped kerb and whether you plan to change the width or position of the entrance.
What information should you gather first?
- The property postcode.
- Clear photographs from the road and pavement.
- The width and depth of the proposed parking area.
- The position of walls, gates, trees and street furniture.
- Whether a dropped kerb already exists.
- Whether the road is classified or subject to restrictions.
- Where rainwater from the new driveway will drain.
How the driveway design fits around the access
Once the access requirements are understood, you can compare suitable surfaces and layouts. Options may include pattern-imprinted concrete, resin driveways, tarmac or block paving, subject to the site and drainage design.
Our new driveway planning guide covers the wider decisions around levels, preparation, drainage and quotations.
Requesting a driveway quote
Stamp Stone serves homeowners across the East Midlands. Send your postcode, photographs, approximate measurements and details of the existing or proposed vehicle access through our Contact & Quote page. You can also browse genuine completed project examples before choosing a finish.
Dropped Kerb FAQs
Can I use a driveway without a dropped kerb?
If vehicle access requires crossing a public pavement or footway, the proper vehicle crossover normally needs council approval. Do not assume an existing low kerb or informal access is authorised.
Can the driveway contractor apply for the dropped kerb?
Processes vary by council. Some authorities require the homeowner to apply first and may control who is allowed to carry out the crossover work, so check the local procedure before booking construction.
Should the dropped kerb be included in the driveway quote?
It should be clear whether the quotation covers only work inside the property boundary or also includes any authorised crossover work. Keeping those scopes separate avoids confusion over council fees, permissions and contractor responsibilities.
Important: highway and planning requirements vary by location. Always confirm the current rules with the relevant council before altering the pavement, kerb or vehicle access.
Continue planning: return to the Driveway & Patio Planning Hub for connected guidance on front-garden conversions, drainage, driveway widening, levels and quote preparation.