Dropped kerbs

Construction of a Vehicular Crossing Facility

Any resident who wishes to take their vehicle over the footway must make an application to the council in accordance with Section 184 of the Highways Act 1980 for permission to construct a vehicular crossing facility.

A vehicular crossing facility alters the construction of the kerb line and pavement to ensure no damage is caused to the apparatus (pipes or cables) underneath the footway. This then allows access to your property legally, safely and easily when you are using a car or other domestic vehicle.

For a vehicle to be allowed to drive on to your property legally you must have an approved vehicular crossing facility installed and have been issued with permission to show you have complied with current legislation.

The installation of a legal vehicular crossing facility with permission can add thousands of pounds on to the value of your property and many solicitors now require documented proof when selling properties.

Pre-Application Guidance

Construction Of A Residential Vehicular Crossing Facility (A Dropped Kerb): Pre - Application Guidance

Costs

Licence fee payable to Kirklees Council

• £180.00
• Pays for the survey, vehicle crossing licence, administration, and final inspection fees.
• If the application is unsuccessful the resident will receive a letter advising them of the outcome.

Restrictions

• If you live on an A, B or C road you will also need to apply for planning permission
• It may not be possible to install a vehicle crossing. Example restrictions can include if the location is close to a busy road junction, near traffic lights or on a bend.
• Problems may also arise if the proposed crossing requires the movement of street installations like telegraph poles, manholes, control cabinets and streetlights.

Getting a contractor

• A list of potential contractors is included in the application process
• You can choose an alternative contractor
• The contractor must be qualified to work in the highway and provide evidence of public liability insurance in the sum of £10 million. It is your responsibility to ensure your chosen contractor has the necessary insurance to undertake this work.

Construction of a vehicular crossing within highway improvement schemes

If the street you live on is highlighted for an improvement scheme you can ask Highways Service if it is possible to construct a vehicular crossing facility for you as part of the scheme. This will be dependent on the nature of our works and a design engineer will need to consider your request. Please contact Highways Service as soon as possible to allow the scheme designer to consider your request and if approved build the construction into the design.

If you live in a property which is rented from Kirklees Homes and Neighbourhoods, you would need to contact your local housing officer to obtain their permission to create a driveway or hardstanding first.

You can check to see if your street is highlighted for an improvement scheme soon by viewing our highways planned maintenance programme.

Contact us