Drop Kerb Installation in Dorset
Vehicle crossovers for driveways, developments, commercial and industrial sites
For developers and contractors, the work can be programmed alongside drainage, utility, surfacing and other external works.
What Is a Drop Kerb?
A drop kerb, also known as a vehicle crossover, creates a reinforced crossing between the carriageway and private land.
The kerbs at the edge of the road are lowered and the pavement or verge is reconstructed so that vehicles can cross it without damaging the highway.
You should not simply drive across an ordinary pavement to reach off road parking. BCP Council states that a dropped kerb is required where vehicles cross the pavement to access a property. Source: BCP Council
We can undertake drop kerb works for:
- Domestic driveways
- New build properties
- Residential developments
- Commercial premises
- Industrial sites
- New site entrances
- Existing access widening
- Property improvement projects
Highway Approval and Licensing
Approval needs to be in place before construction starts
Drop kerb work forms part of the public highway, so it is controlled by the relevant highway authority.
For properties within the Dorset Council area, a highway licence is required. The contractor carrying out the works must hold recognised street works qualifications, appropriate public liability insurance and authorisation to work on the highway. Source: Dorset Council
Planning permission may also be required depending on the property, road and proposed works.
This can include properties on classified roads, listed buildings, conservation areas, commercial premises and some other situations. Source: Dorset Council
Already have approval?
Send us your approval, drawings or reference details and we can review the proposed works.
Our Drop Kerb Works
All work needs to follow the specification issued by the relevant highway authority.
Depending on the approved design and existing highway, works may include:
- Removing existing kerbs
- Installing lowered kerbs
- Installing transition kerbs
- Excavating the existing footway
- Preparing the required sub base
- Reconstructing the vehicle crossover
- Reinstating tarmac, paving or other approved finishes
- Adjusting drainage where required
- Protecting existing services
- Traffic and pedestrian management
- Final site clearance
New Vehicle Crossovers
Creating access to new off road parking
A new driveway may require a vehicle crossover before it can legally be accessed from the highway.
Before work begins, the proposed access needs to meet the authority’s requirements for matters such as:
Dorset Council currently requires sufficient space within the property so a vehicle can park without overhanging the pavement. It also considers whether vehicles can enter and leave the property safely. Source: Dorset Council
BCP Council also sets minimum parking space requirements when assessing drop kerb proposals. Source: BCP Council
Widening an Existing Drop Kerb
Extensions still require approval before work is carried out.
The new section needs to meet the same highway construction standards as the existing crossover.
An existing crossover may need to be extended where:
- A driveway has been widened
- Additional parking has been created
- Access is difficult
- A development has altered the site entrance
- The existing crossover no longer matches the approved parking area
Drop Kerbs for Developments
Vehicle access works coordinated with the wider site programme
For residential and commercial developments, vehicle crossover works may form part of a wider package of external works.
Dorset Drainage Services can coordinate drop kerb construction alongside services such as:
- Drainage installation
- Sewer connections
- Water supplies
- Highway excavation
- Manhole works
- Surface water drainage
- Reinstatement
For developments not covered by an existing Section 38 or Section 278 agreement, Dorset Council advises developers to discuss the proposed access separately with the authority. Source: Dorset Council
Planning a development?
Send us the site drawings and access details so we can review the scope of works.
Working Around Existing Utilities
Vehicle crossover works can affect underground and above ground services. These may include:
Existing services may need to be identified before excavation begins.
In some cases, street furniture or services may need to be protected or relocated before a vehicle crossover can be approved. Source: Dorset Council
Drainage and Surface Water
The new access must not create drainage problems on the highway or surrounding property.
The finished levels and construction need to control surface water and meet the specification issued by the highway authority.
Where existing drainage is affected, Dorset Drainage Services can also undertake associated drainage alterations as part of the works.
Dorset Council specifications state that vehicle accesses should be formed so that surface water does not simply drain from the highway onto private property. Source: Dorset Council
How the Process Works
- 01
Establish the proposed access
We review the location, dimensions and existing highway.
- 02
Obtain the required approval
The relevant highway authority assesses whether the proposed crossover is suitable.
- 03
Confirm the approved specification
The authority will determine the construction requirements for the crossover.
- 04
Programme the works
We arrange the works around highway access, site requirements and any other external works.
- 05
Construct the vehicle crossover
Existing materials are removed and the approved kerbs, sub base and surface construction are installed.
- 06
Inspection and completion
The authority may inspect the works to confirm that they meet the approved specification.
Why Use Dorset Drainage Services?
Highway works experience
Our wider work already includes public highway excavation, traffic management and reinstatement.
One contractor for external works
Drop kerbs can be coordinated with drainage, water and sewer works where required.
Commercial and domestic projects
We work with individual property owners as well as contractors and developers.
Excavation and reinstatement capability
We have the plant and experience required to undertake groundworks and restore the affected highway surface.
Local coverage
We work throughout Dorset and the surrounding South Coast area.
Established contractor
Dorset Drainage Services has worked across the region since 2007.
Domestic Drop Kerbs
Creating safe vehicle access to your driveway
If you are creating off road parking or changing the entrance to your property, you may need a new or extended drop kerb.
We can carry out the approved construction work once the requirements for your property have been established.
The local authority makes the final decision on whether a proposed crossover can be approved.
Before requesting work, it is worth checking:
- Whether the proposed parking area is large enough
- Whether planning permission is required
- Whether the road is classified
- Whether there are parking restrictions outside the property
- Whether street furniture affects the proposed access
- Whether visibility is adequate
Coverage
Drop kerb works across Dorset and the South Coast
From our base near Wimborne, we undertake groundworks and highway related projects throughout Dorset and surrounding areas, including:
Contract work further afield can be discussed with the office.
FAQ
Drop Kerb FAQs
Do I need permission for a drop kerb?
Yes. Highway approval is required because the work affects the public pavement and road edge. Dorset Council requires a drop kerb licence. [Source: Dorset Council](https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/dropped-kerb-licence)
Do I need planning permission?
Not always. Planning permission can be required depending on the road, property and proposed driveway. Classified roads, listed buildings and some commercial properties are examples where additional planning requirements may apply. [Source: Dorset Council](https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/dropped-kerb-licence)
Can any builder install a drop kerb?
No. Where the work is within the public highway, the contractor must meet the requirements of the highway authority. Dorset Council requires authorised contractors with recognised street works qualifications and appropriate insurance. [Source: Dorset Council](https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/dropped-kerb-licence)
Can you widen my existing drop kerb?
Yes, subject to approval from the highway authority. Widening an existing crossover is still highway work and needs to follow the approved specification.
Can you install the driveway as well?
The scope can be discussed as part of the project. Where driveway or other groundworks are required alongside the crossover, send us the proposed layout so we can establish what work is involved.
Can you carry out drop kerbs for new developments?
Yes. Drop kerbs and vehicle crossovers can be undertaken as part of wider development and external works.
What happens if there are utilities beneath the pavement?
Existing services may affect the design or construction method. Utilities can require protection or alteration before the crossover is completed. [Source: Dorset Council](https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/documents/35024/291099/Forming%2Ban%2Baccess.pdf/71481011-182a-49a1-9ee0-7281d9d1f845?t=1619382132456&version=1.0)
Enquiries
Discuss Your Drop Kerb Project
Whether you need a new vehicle crossover, want to widen an existing drop kerb or require access works for a development, send us the site details and any approval or drawings you already have.
Tell us about the proposed access