Dropped kerbs in the UK: how to get a legal vehicle crossover

You cannot simply pave over your front garden and start driving across the pavement: you need a proper vehicle crossover, where the council lowers the kerb and strengthens the footway. Driving over a normal pavement without one is not allowed, and the council can take action over an unauthorised crossing.

Who gives permission?

The highway authority — your county council or London borough — decides. Only the freeholder can apply; tenants and leaseholders must go through the owner or get written authorisation. A council officer visits the site, marks out the proposed crossover and checks underground utilities. In Surrey, that visit is normally arranged within 20 working days of your application.

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Do you need planning permission?

Sometimes. Before applying to the highway authority, check with your district or borough council whether planning permission is needed — it is most common for homes on classified (major) roads. The check can take up to six weeks and may carry a fee. Without approved planning permission, or written confirmation that none is required, your crossover application will not be accepted.

How much does it cost?

Costs vary widely by council and split into a non-refundable application fee plus the building works. In Surrey the Stage 1 fee is £383, covering the site visit, marking out and utility checks. Average building costs there are about £1,800, so a typical total is around £2,183. On the busiest roads, lane rental of up to £1,500 a day can apply. In the London Borough of Merton the application fee from 1 April 2026 is £235.80, a new road marking is £104.80 and repainting an existing one is £52.40; a construction estimate follows within six weeks.

Who does the work?

You cannot hire your own builder. The work is done either by the council or by a contractor from the council's approved list, and the finished crossover is inspected. Any work on the footway without the council's permission is prohibited: do not remove hedges or walls, or move lamp posts or trees, beforehand. In Surrey a crossover licence is valid for six months.

The risk of an unauthorised crossover

Building a crossover without permission is risky: the council can require you to reinstate the footway and take action over work done without approval, and a damaged kerb is a hazard for pedestrians. Before applying, check the road's classification on the council's interactive map — it determines whether planning permission is needed. In Surrey an optional re-mark of the crossover costs £116, and on the busiest streets lane rental is added to the price. The footway or verge is strengthened to bear a vehicle's weight, which is why a quick DIY job is not allowed.

Check before you apply

Make sure there is room to park the whole car off the pavement, that there is no bus stop, traffic signal or protected tree in the way, and that the road allows a safe exit. If the site is unsuitable the council will refuse, and the application fee is not refunded. Check your own council's website for exact fees and the application form.