What is a dropped kerb?
A dropped kerb, also called a vehicle crossover or vehicle access, is where the kerbstones are lowered and the pavement (and any grass verge) between the road and your boundary is strengthened so vehicles can cross it without damaging the highway.
Because that land is public highway, a dropped kerb needs written permission from Suffolk County Council before any work starts. Read our guide to council permission for how the application works.
Is my property suitable?
Not every property can have a dropped kerb. The council assesses each application against its published criteria, which look at things like the space for a vehicle on your land, visibility, the type of road and what's in the way on the pavement. A neighbour having a dropped kerb doesn't guarantee yours will be approved.
On our site visit we'll look at your frontage with the council's criteria in mind and tell you honestly about anything likely to cause a problem.
What affects the cost?
Every frontage is different. The main things that affect the price of a dropped kerb are:
- The distance from the road kerb to your boundary: a wider pavement or verge means more construction.
- The width of the access: how many kerbstones need lowering.
- What's in the way: lamp posts, trees, drains, inspection covers, utility boxes or road signs may need moving or working around, and some may need separate approval.
- Grass verges and levels: verges, slopes and changes in level add work.
- Council fees: the council's application fee is separate from the construction cost.
You can use our instant guide price calculator for a rough idea. Where the pavement is wider, or you're not sure of the measurements, the calculator will tell you a site visit is needed instead of guessing.
How we arrange your dropped kerb
- Site visit and measurements. We visit, measure from the road kerb to your boundary and note any obstructions.
- Council application. We can help you prepare your application paperwork. The council's fee is paid to the council.
- Quotation. We obtain a quotation for the construction work and go through it with you.
- Coordinating the work. Once the council has given permission, we coordinate your project and keep you updated until it's complete.
One friendly point of contact
We provide a friendly, straightforward service for dropped kerbs, dropped kerb extensions and driveways throughout Ipswich and Suffolk. From your first enquiry to arranging quotations and coordinating your project, we're here to make the process easier.
Adding a driveway at the same time?
Many customers plan a dropped kerb and a new driveway together so the levels and finish match. If you already have a dropped kerb that's too narrow, see dropped kerb extensions.
For the official rules, see Suffolk County Council's dropped kerb application page.