Who to apply to
| England | Your local highway authority: usually the county, unitary, metropolitan borough or London borough council, or Transport for London on red routes |
| Wales | Your council |
| Scotland | Your council as roads authority (section 56 consent) |
| Northern Ireland | DfI Roads |
What councils usually check
- Enough depth to park without overhanging the pavement
- Visibility for drivers and pedestrians
- Trees, lamp posts, gullies and utility covers
- Whether the road is classified (planning permission may also be needed)
- Whether the property is a house, flat or business
Who builds it?
Some councils build crossovers themselves at a set price; others let approved contractors do it to their specification. Timing matters: the drive and the crossover should finish together so the levels meet.
How long does it take?
Several weeks is common between application and construction, sometimes longer. Apply before booking the drive if you can.
More questions
Can I build a drive without a dropped kerb?
You can pave the garden, but you cannot use it for parking if the car has to cross a full-height kerb.
How wide is a dropped kerb?
Councils set this. Typical domestic crossovers are a few kerb units wide, with transition kerbs each side.
Reviewed 9 November 2026. Sources include the BS 7533 series, Interpave and manufacturer laying guidance, GOV.UK, gov.wales, gov.scot and nidirect planning guidance, and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.
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Dropped kerbs with a new drive
A legal vehicle crossing over the pavement, applied for and built to the authority's rules.
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