Dropped kerbs and vehicle access crossovers

Having to drive over a raised kerb can damage a vehicles wheels or tyres unless it is done carefully and very slowly. Putting in a dropped kerb makes it easier and safer to  enter or leave a property.

Wanting to use a vehicle to cross over a raised kerb on a public highway is the most common reason you may be reading this page. However there are several legal points which you should also consider.  

In all cases formal written permission must be obtained from Surrey County Council, before any work is done to move or create any dropped kerbs or vehicle crossovers if they form part of a public highway. 

Please note there are three key steps to getting proper advice and permission:

Step one - enquiry

Contact us in writing to find out whether planning permission is required.

You will need to provide us with a sketch showing:

  • exactly where the kerb is that you wish to drop
  • any existing dropped kerbs to your own property
  • any existing dropped kerbs to neighbouring properties and
  • any existing dropped kerbs to any properties which are opposite yours.

If we confirm that planning permission is not required you will now need to apply for local highways permission (step three).

If we inform you that planning permission is required you must apply for local authority permission (step two).

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Step two - obtaining local authority permission

This step is only necessary if planning permission is required.   

Submit to us:

Once we have issued you with a decision notice granting planning permission you will need to apply for county permission (step three).

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Step three - obtaining local highways permission

You are now required to apply for permission from Surrey County Council as the Local Highways Authority.  Prior to making your application you are advised to read the guidance.  You will need to submit:

  • a completed application form
  • a copy of your local authority permission (letter or decision notice) and
  • the required fee.

After considering your application Surrey County Council may give you their written permission and a quotation for the work to to be done.

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Any roadside land which you do not own is likely to be part of a private road or a public highway. This applies to kerbs or any pieces of land not intended by the owner to be used by members of the public as crossing strips to drive over or use as parking areas. Such land may be kerbs, footpaths, grass verges or banks (no matter how narrow or wide), land with trees, shrubs or flowers planted, etc.  

Any such land which you do not own may be the property of another person or of a business or of a public body such as the Borough Council or the Local Highways Authority. If you do not possess a legal right of way to cross over land which you do not own then, whenever you do this, you will make yourself liable to prosecution for trespass and/or causing damage. Such liability to prosecution applies to any land which you do not own, no matter how small or how narrow the strip or piece of land may be.