Getting vehicle access to a new driveway

Dropped Kerbs and Vehicle Crossovers

A new driveway is only useful if you can legally drive onto it. Crossing a footway without an approved dropped kerb is an offence and can damage services buried under the path.

The application is separate from the driveway itself and is worth starting early.

Block Paving work by Gardenscape in Essex

How the process works

Vehicle crossovers are approved by the highway authority — in most of our area, Essex County Council or the relevant unitary authority such as Southend-on-Sea City Council. You apply, they assess visibility, sightlines, services and drainage, and if approved the works are carried out by an approved contractor.

Fees and timescales vary by authority, so check current requirements directly with yours.

What can affect approval

Proximity to junctions and crossings, street furniture such as lamp columns and trees, insufficient depth on the property to park clear of the footway, and protected verges are all common reasons an application is refused or modified.

Some authorities require a minimum parking depth from the back of the footway.

Coordinating with the driveway build

We design the driveway levels to meet the crossover cleanly, with permeable surfacing or drainage so run-off does not discharge onto the highway.

Sequencing matters: knowing where the crossing will land lets us set the drive levels and edge details right first time.

Frequently asked questions

Can you do the dropped kerb?

The crossing itself must be carried out under the highway authority's approval process; we build the driveway to meet it.

Do I need planning permission as well?

Usually not for the driveway if it is permeable, but crossing a classified road can require permission.

How long does approval take?

It varies by authority — check current timescales with yours before booking works.

Planning off-street parking?

We'll design the driveway around your crossover requirements.

Get a driveway quote Call 07535 661664