Dropped kerbs

Please ensure that all requirements have been read and fully understood. If you submit an application knowing that certain requirements cannot be met your application will be refused and the administration charge is not refundable.

You are required to have read and understood the information within this page and understand the requirements for a dropped kerb.

For information relating to commercial accesses, please email trafficandnetwork@staffordshire.gov.uk.

Type of road

If you live on a classified road (A road, B road or C road) you will then require planning permission from your local borough/district council. During this time we will be unable to process the application until permission has been granted.

Check whether you live on a classified road

Accredited contractor

We do not hold or maintain a list of registered contractors.

Please ensure that any contractor you engage holds the relevant accreditation and insurances which are detailed on the permit to dig application form. The contractor must obtain the permit to dig before works on the highway can commence.

Property owner

An application for a dropped kerb will only normally be considered when applied by the landowner. You are required to state that you are the landowner on the application. If you are a tenant you will require permission from the relevant landlord.

Room required within your property

You must have sufficient room on your property for a vehicle to be parked without overhanging the highway. Desirable distance from the highway is 6 metres and the absolute minimum is 4.8 metres.

The above distances must be achieved in a transverse direction, i.e. perpendicular to the line of the road. Lateral parking (e.g. in line with the road) is not acceptable.

Width

A crossing will not be approved, or existing access widened, so that it will cover the width of the property. Standard width of a dropped kerb is 2.75 metres. You can request for your access to be widened but must state on application the reason.

Visibility

When applying for a vehicle access crossing you must take into consideration adequate visibility. Depending on the speed limit of the road, you will need to make sure that when leaving the access the driver must be able to see approaching vehicles travelling along the roadway from both directions at a minimum distance of 2 metres back from the edge of the carriageway. 

Driver visibility

A driver's view of the roadway must be unobstructed and not restricted by objects such as hedges or walls; this is shown as the envelope of visibility in the diagram. The distance that the driver is required to see along the roadway will depend on the speed limit of the road.

Speed limit of a road and length of visibility that is required

Pedestrian visibility

Pedestrian visibility is also another factor that needs to be considered when applying for a dropped kerb. Visibility for pedestrians is required to allow drivers to see pedestrians as they emerge from their access road, driveways or parking area and to allow pedestrians to see the vehicle.

Multiple access crossings

Only one crossing into a property will be approved. Separate 'in and out' crossings are not normally permitted.

If you require a second access and there is specific justification, please include these details in the relevant section of the application form.

If you have vehicle access to the front and rear of your property, crossings at each frontage may also be allowed, provided it is not possible to drive from one to the other through the property.

Reasons for refusal

A dropped kerb will generally not be approved if it's:

• Within 15 metres of a road junction or traffic signals crossing
• Where an existing bus stop could be in the way of the proposed dropped kerb. The highway authority may consider relocating the stop as long as there is a suitable alternative available. The alternative location must be within 50 metres, in either direction of the existing stop
• From a layby or other designated parking areas