A dropped kerb is where the pavement outside your property is lowered, allowing vehicles to drive safely and legally from the road onto your driveway. Without it, driving over a raised pavement can damage public property—and get you into legal trouble.
A proper dropped kerb:
Protects pedestrians and the pavement
Ensures safe vehicle access
Complies with highway standards
Prevents fines or enforcement notices
Is Permission Always Required?
Yes, in most cases, you need formal permission from your local council before installing a dropped kerb.
In Driveways, Washington and surrounding areas, this means applying to your local highways authority (usually part of the council), who will inspect the site and decide if the location is suitable.
What Happens If You Don’t Get Permission?
Installing a dropped kerb without consent is illegal and may lead to:
Enforcement action or fines
Being ordered to reinstate the pavement at your own cost
Damage liability if someone is injured due to unsafe access
Refused planning for future home improvements
? Note: Even if you already have a driveway, you cannot legally drive across the pavement without a dropped kerb.
Who Grants Permission for Dropped Kerbs?
Your local council’s highways department handles applications. You’ll need to:
Submit an application form
Pay the relevant fee
Provide site photos or plans
Wait for an inspection and decision
The council checks for safety, visibility, access, trees, utilities, and traffic impact.
In some cases, such as conservation areas or classified roads, you might also need planning permission.
Exceptions Where Planning Permission May Be Required
You will likely need planning permission in addition to council consent if:
Your home is a listed building
Your property is on a classified (A or B) road
The kerb is within a conservation area
Drainage or tree protection is affected
When in doubt, check both the planning and highways departments for clarity.
Can You Install It Yourself?
No. Only council-approved contractors are allowed to carry out dropped kerb installations.
This ensures the work meets safety and legal standards for the public highway. DIY or using an unapproved contractor can void your permission and result in legal action.
At Driveways Washington, we’re qualified to handle installations that meet local authority guidelines.
How Long Does the Permission Process Take?
Expect 2 to 8 weeks, depending on:
Application completeness
Council backlog
Site complexity
Need for planning consent
We help speed this up by submitting accurate paperwork and liaising with the council on your behalf.
Our Process at Driveways Washington
When you work with us, we take care of everything:
Site visit and advice
Application submission to your local council
Full compliance with highways standards
Safe and professional kerb installation
We make it easy and legal—saving you time, stress, and potential penalties.
Need Help Getting Permission for a Dropped Kerb?
Avoid legal issues and make sure your driveway is fully compliant with local council rules.
