What Is a Dropped Kerb?
A dropped kerb, sometimes called a vehicle access crossing, is a lowered section of kerb that allows a vehicle to travel between the road and private land. The pavement or verge beneath the crossing is also strengthened to withstand regular vehicle movements and protect utilities located below the surface.
A dropped kerb is normally required when a homeowner wants to drive across a pavement to reach a parking area within their property. Driving across an ordinary raised kerb and unstrengthened pavement can cause damage and does not provide an authorised vehicle crossing.
Warwickshire County Council manages applications for dropped kerbs throughout Rugby. Its guidance confirms that permission must be obtained before the crossing is constructed and that the public footway remains part of the highway after completion.
Planning a New Driveway and Vehicle Access
A successful dropped kerb project involves more than lowering the kerbstones. There must be sufficient room within the property for a vehicle to park without extending across the pavement, obstructing a doorway or creating an unsafe entrance.
Warwickshire County Council currently states that the hard-standing should generally be at least five metres deep and 2.4 metres wide. Where the access leads directly to a garage, a minimum depth of six metres is required to leave room for opening the garage door. Applications are also assessed for visibility, proximity to junctions, pedestrian safety and the possible loss of on-street parking.
DSG Imprint can assess the private section of the project and recommend a driveway layout that makes effective use of the available frontage. This may include changing the parking angle, retaining a pedestrian route to the front door or selecting a surface that complements the property.
Applying for a Dropped Kerb in Rugby
Applications for a new dropped kerb or an extension to an existing crossing are made through Warwickshire County Council’s dropped kerb application service. The council will review the location, property dimensions, highway safety, drainage and any supporting permissions before deciding whether the proposal is suitable.
Planning permission from Rugby Borough Council may also be needed when the proposed access is located on an A, B or C classified road. Permission may also be affected by the type of property, existing planning conditions, conservation restrictions or substantial changes to walls and boundaries. Homeowners can check the initial requirements through Rugby Borough Council’s planning guidance.
Customers should obtain the required decisions before committing to installation dates. This helps prevent delays and ensures the driveway design can be coordinated with the approved access position.
Why Choose DSG Imprint?
DSG Imprint is based in Rugby and understands the different driveway layouts found throughout the town and surrounding villages. From restricted frontages close to Rugby town centre to larger properties around Dunchurch, Clifton-upon-Dunsmore and Long Lawford, every entrance requires an individual approach.
Our team provides clear advice about the private driveway area, materials, drainage and installation sequence. We can help you choose a surface that suits the property and plan the work around the separately approved dropped kerb installation.
Bespoke Designs
We specialise in creating custom solutions tailored to the unique needs and preferences of our clients.
Competitive Pricing
We provide top-quality work at competitive rates, offering excellent value for money.
Expert Craftsmanship
With years of experience, our skilled team ensures every job is completed to the highest standards.
Durable Materials
We use only the highest-quality materials sourced from trusted suppliers.
Coordinating the Approved Contractor
Work within the public highway must be completed by a contractor who meets Warwickshire County Council’s requirements. The council maintains a list of accredited contractors but states that the list is not a recommendation. Contractors working on the highway must hold suitable street works accreditation and the required level of public liability insurance.
DSG Imprint can arrange the private driveway work around the approved crossing project. Coordinating the two stages helps prevent a newly completed surface from being disturbed and creates a cleaner transition between the road, pavement and driveway.
The appropriate sequence will depend on the existing frontage and the contractor’s requirements. This can be discussed during the quotation and planning stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
DSG Imprint installs and prepares the driveway area within the private property boundary. Work that alters the public pavement, verge or kerb must be completed in accordance with Warwickshire County Council’s approval and contractor requirements. The council states that contractors working within the public highway must have appropriate accreditation and insurance. We can help customers plan the driveway and coordinate timings around the separately authorised crossing work, creating a consistent transition between the road, pavement and new driveway.
Warwickshire County Council is responsible for the vehicle crossing application and approval process in Rugby. Rugby Borough Council may become involved where separate planning permission is required, including proposals affecting an A, B or C classified road. Other circumstances, such as listed status, conservation restrictions or major frontage changes, may also affect the permissions needed. Homeowners should check both the highway and planning requirements before arranging construction.
Warwickshire County Council currently requires a vehicle hard-standing to be at least five metres deep at its shortest point and at least 2.4 metres wide. It should normally sit at a 90-degree angle to the road. Where the access leads to a garage, the required depth increases to six metres so the garage door can be opened without the vehicle obstructing the pavement. The council will also consider whether vehicles can enter and leave safely.
An application may be refused where the proposed access could create a danger or obstruction. Potential issues include being too close to a junction, traffic lights, a roundabout, pedestrian island or bus stop. Poor visibility, high traffic speeds and a significant effect on available on-street parking may also influence the decision. DSG Imprint can assess the private frontage, but the final decision regarding the vehicle crossing rests with Warwickshire County Council.
Our driveway options include resin bound driveways, concrete imprint driveways, block paving and tarmac. Each material offers a different combination of appearance, drainage, maintenance and durability. We assess the size, gradient and intended use of the driveway before recommending an appropriate construction. Customers can also choose decorative borders, contrasting edges and pathways to finish the property frontage.
DSG Imprint provides driveway planning and installation throughout Rugby, including Bilton, Hillmorton, Brownsover, Cawston, Newbold, Overslade and the town centre. We also work in surrounding Warwickshire communities such as Dunchurch, Long Lawford, Clifton-upon-Dunsmore and Wolston. Requirements can vary depending on the property frontage and road, so every project begins with an individual assessment and quotation.