Vehicle access (dropped kerbs)

Find out about vehicle access requests and how to apply to have the kerb outside your property lowered.

A dropped kerb is a small change to the highway (road) that enables you to access off road parking space for domestic vehicle access.

 

For access to 2 or more dwellings, a commercial or industrial development, or a single access that forms part of a multiple property development, you need to follow a different process. Contact the Infrastructure Planning team to submit a ‘Major S184’ application by emailing road.adoptions@leics.gov.uk.

If you’re a resident of Leicester City, you should apply to Leicester City Council.

Before you apply

  • To understand whether you can make an application and if you’ll need planning permission, please follow the checklist below:
Pre-application checklist PDF, 1.6 MB Opens new window
  • Contact your local district or borough council if you need planning permission. It may take more than 8 weeks for your planning application to be considered. If you don’t need permission, you may receive a letter to confirm it is not needed.

Gather the information required

You will need the following information when completing your application:

  • a photo of the site marked to show the location of where you’d like the dropped kerb and / or a drawing with the appropriate measurements detailed
  • agreement from third party landowners (e.g., if you are renting)
  • a copy of your valid planning consent (if your site needs planning permission)
  • payment details for the application fee which will cost £150 (non-refundable) – you’ll need your card payment details ready

Submit an application

 

Please don't make an application until you’ve followed the Pre-application checklist and obtained planning permission (if required).

Apply for vehicle access (dropped kerb)

What happens next

Within 30 days of receiving your application, an officer will visit the site and complete a technical assessment based on the Leicestershire Highway Design Guide. The assessment will confirm whether your application can be approved.

Following the assessment, a decision will be sent to you by letter within 2 weeks.

If your application is unsuccessful / not approved, your application fee will not be refunded (as detailed above).

If your application is successful and approved, your letter will include a quote for the work to be carried out, along with 2 options.

 

You’ll have 6 months to accept one of the quote options below and return the required paperwork.

After this time your approval will expire, and a new application (and fee) will need to be submitted.

Option 1: Construction works by Leicestershire County Council

If you choose this option, you should:

  1. follow any conditions of the quotation (e.g., remove overhanging hedgerows), so that work can be scheduled and not delayed
  2. accept the quote by returning the completed ‘Option 1’ paperwork and pay for the work by BACS

Work will then be scheduled within 12 weeks and typically takes 1-2 days to complete.

Option 2: Construction works by a contractor of your choice

If you choose this option, you’ll need to get a permit for your contractor. You’ll need to:

  • pay £240 for a permit fee by BACS
  • complete the VA3 form (which will be posted to you)
  • provide proof, from your contractor, of £10 million public liability insurance and a copy of their current New Roads and Street Works accreditation card

You can return these by post to:

Business Support Team
Room 700
Environment and Transport Department
Leicestershire County Council
County Hall
Glenfield
Leicester
LE3 8RJ

Once the paperwork has been validated, fee received and all criteria met, a permit will be issued (this can take up to 2 weeks). Contractors mustn't start any work until you have received a letter of authorisation from Leicestershire County Council, stating the dates this work can be carried out. You must pass this authorisation to the contractor.

Officers may inspect completed works on an ad hoc basis to ensure that standards have been met.

 

By selecting Option 2, you are responsible for:

  • the contractor’s work and any errors or omissions
  • guaranteeing the work completed for 2 years against defects resulting from failures in workmanship or materials used
  • any damage to the highway or utility apparatus
  • any claims due to an incident caused by the work completed by the contractor

Note: With Option 1 all risks will be met by Leicestershire County Council.