Vehicle Crossovers or
dropped kerbs
Details of the council's policy on
vehicle crossovers/dropped kerbs and how to apply for
one.
The council is concerned that the removal of front
gardens to create parking spaces is detrimental to the streetscape.
The crossovers needed to access those spaces represent a further
detraction from the environment and are an inconvenience to
pedestrians.
Also, there is insufficient space in many front gardens for cars
and this can lead to cars projecting over the footway. They
sterilise kerb space even when the relevant car is away from the
property and thus serve to reduce the amount of parking available
in a street rather than increase it.
On balance, there is a presumption against the construction of any
new crossovers. However, the council will consider each application
on its merits, guided by the following criteria.
Please note
Please read the approval
process guidance notes before completing the application
form.
When completing the application form please provide as much
information as possible on the sketch, including dimensions of the
access into your property.
If it is not possible for a crossing to be provided we will advise
you in writing.
There is no appeals procedure under the Highways Act but all
applications are considered fairly in line with this process.
Guidance notes and application form
Download the guidance notes and application form (Word
doc.)
Frequently asked Questions
1. What is a vehicle crossover?
2. Why do I need a vehicle crossover?
3. How much does it cost to apply?
4. What if I'm not sure that I meet the minimum
criteria?
5. Can anyone construct a vehicle
crossover?
6. What will be the cost of my crossover?
7. How will I know if the work is
satisfactory?
Q1 What is a vehicle crossover?
A vehicle crossover allows you to access your property safely and
easily when you are using a car or other domestic vehicle. This
means that the kerbs are dropped from their normal height and the
pavement or verge is strengthened to take the weight of the vehicle
crossing it.
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Q2 Why do I need a vehicle
crossover?
We do not allow you to drive over a pavement or verge unless a
vehicle crossover has been authorised and put in. This is because
you may damage the pavement or any pipes or cables that are buried
underneath it. The crossover allows you to pass safely from the
carriageway preventing any obstruction to the highway.
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Q3 How much does it cost to apply?
The total cost for the application is £250. This includes:
- The administration costs.
- Checking of the Application against the criteria in the
Application Form, and deciding whether the Application can be
approved.
- Possible Site survey for suitability
- If the crossover is Approved, then a more detailed design and
estimate will be made. The estimate will be sent to you. This is
valid for 2 months.
A cheque for this £250 fee should be included in your
application. Note this fee is non refundable
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Q4 What if I'm not sure that I meet the
minimum criteria?
When you have read through the Guidance Notes, please telephone us
to speak to an engineer, who will be able to guide you.
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Q5 Can anyone construct a vehicle
crossover?
Those seeking a vehicle crossover must obtain prior agreement from
us. The Council will use its Term Contractor to construct the
Crossover.
We take seriously our duty to maintain our highways and protect
them from damage, if necessary by legal action. It is an offence
for anyone except the Council to carry out any works on the footway
without our express permission. Unauthorised vehicle crossovers
will cause the footway to deteriorate and put those using the
footway at risk.
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Q6 What will be the cost of my
crossover?
The cost depends on the amount of work that needs to be done and
the contractor you use. We would expect the cost for a 'standard'
vehicle crossover to start in the region of £1500 - £1800
However there are several external factors that can increase this
figure -
- Utility adjustment/diversion
- Street furniture adjustment
- The size of the proposed crossover
- The gradient of the proposed crossover
- The proposed site of the crossover
- The times when a road is traffic sensitive
- The cost of amending any Parking Bays, etc.
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Q7 How will I know if the work is
satisfactory?
On completion of the work we will visually inspect it to make sure
that the work has been carried satisfactorily. The contractor will
be liable for the work for a period of two years after the
construction. Thereafter the Council will maintain the Crossover as
part of its Highways Maintenance Programme.
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