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When is a dropped kerb and vehicle crossover
needed?
When ever it is desired to drive a vehicle across a publicly
maintained footway or verge in order to park it on private property
(e.g. a driveway by a house) or conversely, drive the car away from
the property.
Why do I have to have this?
Footways and verges are normally only built with enough strength
to cater for the weight of pedestrians or animals. A vehicle
crossing an unprepared footway will cause damage to it after some
time, if not immediately.
In order to avoid damage the crossover must be constructed to an
approved specification.
The dropped kerbs are necessary to enable the vehicle to
gradually adjust to the difference in level between the footway and
road surface.
Do you have any legal powers to insist on a dropped kerb
and vehicle crossover?
Yes, under Section 184 of the Highways Act 1980.
Do I need permission and what are the
procedures?
You will need permission from Kent Highway Services (KHS). Our
staff will assess every dropped kerb and vehicle crossover
application from a safety and suitability viewpoint and we reserve
the right to refuse permission. You may also need planning
permission from your local Borough or District Council and you
should check with them. If you are renting a property you are
advised to check with your landlord.
The recommended procedure to follow is:
- call our Contact Centre for a full application pack;
- submit a completed application form together with your
administration fee;
- enclose written evidence to confirm that planning approval
is/not required from your Local Borough or District Council;
and
- await receipt of your application.
How long does it take for an application to go
through?
One we receive your completed application form with planning
permission if required you should allow 8 weeks for the application
to go through. Once approved you have 6 months to complete the
works after which approval will lapse and you will need to re
apply.
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.
Do I have enough space within the boundary of my
property to park a vehicle?
You will need enough space to park a vehicle wholly within your
property perpendicular (at right angles) to the road. A minimum of
4.8m x 2.4m is required.
Can you refuse my application?
We could 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 be seen.
How much do dropped kerbs and vehicle crossovers
cost?
This depends on the size of the crossing, whether utilities'
services or street furniture is affected and which contactor you
use. Contactors' prices can range from £1000 to £2500. You will
need to obtain quotations and KHS advises that you get several
quotations. You will be responsible for making payment to the
contractor.
There is also a £150 non-refundable administration fee made
payable to Kent County Council for processing the licence and a
final inspection fee of £150.00.
The final inspection fee will be refunded in the event your
application is refused.
Am I responsible for the pipes and cables buried
underground?
Yes. As part of our initial checks, we will contact all of the
utility companies to see what apparatus they have buried under the
pavement where you want to construct the vehicle crossing. If any
utility apparatus needs to be lowered or moved, you will be
responsible for these extra costs.
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 district or
borough council.
Who can carry out the work?
Kent Highway Services keeps a list of approved contactors for
this work. Lists are supplied as part of the application process
and you should choose a contractor from the list.
You are advised to obtain quotations from a number of contactors
to assist you to make your choice.
Can I use my own contractor?
Vehicle crossover contractors must be on the list of approved
contractors. Application forms for inclusion on this list can be
obtained from Paul Williams e-mail
paul.williams@jacobs.com
. As a minimum, contractors will require £5 million Public
Liability Insurance and have New Roads & Street Works Act
(NRSWA) accredited supervisors and operatives on the Street Works
Qualification Register (SWQR).
How will I know if the work is
satisfactory?
Once the work is completed we will do a visual inspection to
make sure that it meets relevant specifications. KHS will then
advise you to pay your contractor. If a defect occurs within the 2
year maintenance period then the contractor is required to repair
it.
To find out more about dropped kerbs visit the
permits and licenses section of the
website. |