Dropkerb-Essex
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SERVICES
About us
Here at Drop kerb Essex, we not only specialize in drop kerbs, but we also cover a wide range of driveway and landscaping with over 20 years' worth of experience. Our main goal is to provide professional, friendly service. And we are more than happy to give advice where needed.
If you’d like a friendly chat and to arrange a Free Quotation for a drop kerb installation, please phone 07967595485 or use the form below to book an appointment at your convenience. If you’re just at the stage where you're considering the possibility of a drop kerb installation and would like to know the price before you book an appointment, we are happy to provide you with an Estimated guide price.
Please note that there is a non-returnable application fee which is payable to the Essex County Council
The Vehicle Crossing Process has changed to a 2 stage process where the resident applies for consent for their Vehicle Crossing and encourages their chosen Contractor to complete the second stage which books the road space and checks the construction of the new Vehicle Crossing.
The Initial Vehicle Crossing application costs
£189.55 The fee is non-refundable and covers a site visit, a search of underground apparatus (i.e. gas, electric) and administration processes.
If your application is approved an Application to Implement by Road Opening Notice costs
£150.00
and is payable by your chosen contractor.
What is a drop kerb
A dropped kerb, also known as a vehicle access crossover, is an alteration to the footpath. It involves lowering the kerb and laying new foundations to the paving to enable a car to be driven onto the front area of a property.
The work involves lowering the kerbstones and strengthening the pavement to create a ramp, and must only be performed by an authorized company with Street Works Accreditation, such as us here at DropKerb-essex, who have the necessary Public Liability insurance to comply with the local authorities regulations.
Vehicle access cross overs consist normally of 3 or 4 dropped kerbs with a tapered or transition kerb on either side. The standard maximum total width at road level of dropped kerbs for a VAC is 3.6 metres (i.e. normally 4 dropped kerbs).
kerbdiagram If there is already a VAC at the property which is shorter than 3.6 metres then it will be permitted to
extend the crossing to this width. If a road is narrow then in some cases a further dropped kerb will be
allowed to provide easier access.
Please note:
A suitable permeable hard-standing/driveway must be constructed prior to any work to the vehicle access crossing being undertaken. Hard-standing means surfaces such as porous tarmac/concrete, resin, block paving laid on a suitable sub base.
Drainage
The parking area within your property must be designed and constructed so that water does not drain from it across a
foot way. Suitable drainage must be provided within the boundaries of your property. Our site manager will be happy to advise you.
Whats next
If you would like to have a dropped kerb installed or a driveway, we would suggest that you start with a site visit, we will be able to give you FREE advice on the viability and we will provide you with a written quotation to undertake the work.
If you would like a free estimate without the site visit, please use this form only be able to quote if the application has been made and your stats pack is back. We will provide you with an estimated cost within 48 hours depending on how busy.
Once you have decided that you would like the dropped kerb installed give us a call your email to confirm. if you have already completed stage 1 of the application, please provide these details and this will speed up the process of an estimate.
FAQ
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Am I entitled to vehicle access?
Under Section 184 of the Highways Act 1980, a person may make a request to the Council as the Highway Authority for constructing a vehicle access over a footway or verge in the highway.
Can an unauthorised vehicle crossing be closed?
Yes, the Essex County Council as the Highway Authority has the power to take action to prevent use of unauthorized crossings. They can also charge you for putting the pavement back to its former use.
How do I apply for a Dropped Kerb
You’ll need to request an application form from the Council. Here at DropKerb-Essex we can apply for the form and fill in the application and submit any necessary drawings on your behalf, if you require full planning, we charge a £50:00 admin fee to submit your application on your behalf. We would recommend that the first step would be to book a home visit so our experienced site manager can offer you advice before you proceed with your application.
Please note: Application fees paid to the council are NOT refundable.
How much does it cost and how long will an access application take to process?
On receipt of the completed application form and fee, subject to no planning conditions or other restrictions, your application will take approximately 6 to 8 weeks to process.
The charges to process the application vary from Council to Council. Other changes may be applicable.
This application charge covers:
Site Inspection​
Utility Company search for service records. The council have to write to the Public Utilities (the companies who own underground cables and pipes) about every application for a pavement vehicle access because it may affect their equipment.
Issue of Notices and License.
Note: The council fee does not cover the construction costs.
If you are still at the stage where you are just considering a drop kerb installation and would like to have a rough idea of estimated cost then please do call to arrange a free no obligation quote. This is for guidance purposes only and here at DropKerb-Essex would need to see agreed
utility stats pack from highways/council to
confirm price.
If I already have a vehicle access, can I apply for a second access?
Yes but permission will only be granted in exceptional circumstances where it can clearly be demonstrated that the provision would be beneficial to highway safety and that an appropriate separation (absolute minimum of 15m) can be achieved
Approved
