Apply for a dropped kerb

You can apply to have a dropped kerb installed on the pavement outside of your property. 

A dropped kerb allows you to drive into your driveway from the road, by lowering the kerb at the edge of a road. This is sometimes referred to as a vehicle crossover. 

Only the Council can drop kerbs. You must not carry out the work yourself. 

Who needs to apply 

You can use our online form to apply for:

• a new dropped kerb
• an extension of an existing dropped kerb

Apply for a dropped kerb

You don’t need our approval if you live on a private road, you’ll need planning permission instead.

You can read our guidance on dropped kerbs in our vehicle crossovers policy (PDF).

Planning permission 

You don’t usually need planning permission for a dropped kerb. However, it will be needed if your property:

• is in a conservation area
• is on a private road
• is on a classified road
• is on a Transport for London red route
• hard-standing doesn’t have sustainable drainage
• is a multi-dwelling property
• is a listed building

What could affect your application 

Your application may be refused or need planning permission if any of the following apply:

• you don’t have at least 4.8 metres by 2.7 metres of driveway parking
• there are trees or grass verges close to your dropped kerb exit,
• you’re not able to see clearly from your driveway to the road
• if there’s something like a lamp post or a phone box within 1 metre of your dropped kerb exit
• your parking area has gates that will open outwards
• your dropped kerb is within 10 metres of a junction or other road features
• your property is in a controlled parking zone (CPZ)
• you live on a Transport for London red route
• you live in a conservation area or a listed building, you’ll need planning permission before you apply for a dropped kerb

Additional requirements

Property ownership and consent

If you don’t own the property, you’ll need to get the owner or freeholder’s written permission to put in a dropped kerb. Once you have their permission, you can make an application. 

Council owned property

If the Council owns or once owned the property, you’ll need written permission from your local area housing manager before applying. You can find your local housing manager through our housing contact centre.

Multiple occupancy property

If you own a home which is part of a multiple occupancy property, you must seek written permission from the other owners. 

Private roads

We are not responsible for maintaining private roads. You’ll need to contact your managing agents.