What is a vehicle crossing?
A vehicle crossing lets you reach your property safely and
easily when you are using a car. Vehicle crossings are sometimes
called dropped kerbs or crossovers. This usually means that the
kerbs are dropped from their normal height and the pavement or
verge is strengthened to take the weight of a car or other
vehicle.
Why would I need a vehicle crossing?
By law, you are not allowed to drive over a pavement or verge
unless a vehicle crossing has been put in. This is because you may
damage the pavement or any pipes or cables that are buried under
it. Having a vehicle crossing also stops you damaging your car by
bumping it on a high kerb.
What do I need to do to put in a vehicle crossing?
You need to check if you have enough space on your property to
park a car. Normally, you should have a space of 4.8 metres long
and 2.4 metres wide within your property to store the vehicle. You
also need to check if you can see in either direction from the
point you will drive your vehicle off your property. You need a
two-metre clear view in each direction, so you are clear of all
walls or hedges that are higher than one metre. If you have any
questions contact us. We will send you an application pack which
gives you all the information and forms you need to apply.
Do I need planning permission?
This depends on several things, including whether:
- it is in a conservation area;
- you have the right to carry out building work;
- your property is on a main road; and
- the crossing would go over land that you do not own.
It is best to check with the local planning authority to find
out if you need planning permission. Your local planning authority
will be either at your district, borough or city council.
Do I need permission from anyone else?
If you do not own the land between your property and the road
then you will need permission from the landowner. If the land is
owned by the local council you will need a licence and you may have
to pay a yearly fee. To find out, contact the Estates Department at
your local council.
Can you refuse my application?
We would refuse your application if the crossing would not be in
a safe place. This might be on a junction, on the brow of a hill,
at a bus stop or where it would be difficult to see or be seen.
How long does it take for an application to go through?
Once we have received your filled-in application form and
inspection fee, the application should take four weeks to go
through.
If you need planning permission, the application will not go
through until you get permission. This can take up to eight
weeks.
How much does it cost to apply?
The standard fee is made up of:
- £115 administration costs (this covers our assessment of your
application, contacting the gas, electricity, water and phone
companies to check if they have any equipment buried at the site);
and
- £72 for inspecting the site to make sure that the crossover is
built to the correct standards.
You should send the fee in with your application.
Can anyone build their own crossing?
No. It must be built by a contractor who is on our approved
list. You can find a list of approved contractors in the
application pack or you can ask your local office to send you the
list.
Will you build my crossing?
No. You must employ your own workmen.
How much does it cost to build a crossing?
The cost depends on the amount of work that needs to be done and
the contractor you use. It's best to get at least three quotes. A
typical crossing costs between £1000 and £2500.
Can I get help to pay for this?
You may be able to get some help if you have a blue disabled
badge. You should ask about getting help at your local social
services occupational therapy bureau.
When I have received permission, how much time do I have to
build the crossing?
You have six months from when you receive permission. If you run
out of time, we can give you another six months.
Am I responsible for the pipes and cables buried
underground?
Yes. As part of our initial checks, we will contact all of the
gas, electricity, water and phone companies to see what equipment
they have buried under the pavement where you want to build the
crossing. If some equipment needs to be lowered or moved, you will
be responsible for these extra costs.
Do I need to let you know when the work is being carried
out?
Yes. Our vehicle-crossover technical officer will work with you
and the contractor to agree a start date for the work. They will
then make sure the work is inspected and completed as agreed.
We will carry out three inspections at different stages of the
work. The second and third inspections will usually be arranged
between the contractor and the inspector.
How will I know if the work is satisfactory?
Once the work has been finished, we will inspect it to make sure
it meets the relevant standards. The crossover must be maintained
by the contractor for two years after the work has been finished.
If there are any problems during this time, we will work closely
with the contractor to make sure the problems are sorted out.
To find out more about drapped kerbs visit the
permits and licenses section of the
website. |