Southampton City Council

You are here:home > Environment > Roads and parking > Roads, highways and pavement maintenance > Vehicle Crossings (dropped kerbs)

Vehicle Crossings (dropped kerbs)

Vehicle crossovers or dropped kerbsA vehicle crossing allows you to access your property safely and easily when you are using a car or other domestic vehicle. This is achieved by dropping the kerb from its normal height and the pavement or verge is strengthened to take the weight of the vehicle crossing it.

For more information please see the FAQs for Vehicle Crossings below.

To request an application pack in the first instance please call Actionline 0800 519 1919 or via
e-mail to enquiries@southampton.gov.uk

Completed application forms should be posted to

Balfour Beatty Living Places
City Depot and Recycling Park
First Avenue
Millbrook
Southampton
SO15 0LJ

Once you have written permission from us, you can then make a choice as to who you would like to carryout the works to install the crossing (i.e. us or a contractor of your choice).

The second stage of the application process is applicable to contractors who have been instructed to carry out the works on behalf of the owner of the property to which the granted permission relates. If you are a NRSWA accredited contractor and would like to apply for a S171 Licence please follow this link to our EU Services Directive page.

Vehicle Crossing Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Vehicle Crossing?

A Vehicle Crossing allows you to access your property safely and easily when you are using a car or other domestic vehicle. This means that the kerbs are dropped from their normal height and the pavement or verge is strengthened to take the weight of the vehicle crossing it.

2. Why do I need a Vehicle Crossing?

We do not allow you to drive over a pavement or verge unless a Vehicle Crossing has been authorised and installed. This is because you may damage the pavement or any pipes or cables that are buried underneath it. The crossing allows you to pass safely from the carriageway preventing any obstructions to the highway.

3. Is planning permission required?

Planning Permission is only required if the vehicle crossing is to be installed in a classified road. To find out if you live on a classified road click on the List of Classified Roads link at the bottom of this page.

If planning permmission is required, an application will need to be made to the planning department. We are unable to process applications until planning permission is granted.

4. How much does it cost to apply?

To apply for a vehicle crossing is FREE.

This includes;

a site inspection for suitability and;

a quotation for the installation of the vehicle crossing

5. Can anyone construct a Vehicle Crossing?

Those seeking a vehicle crossing must obtain prior agreement from us and have the works carried out by Southampton City Council or an accredited private contractor. Please notify us on the application form if possible who you wish to complete the works, or after receipt of the initial estimate from ourselves. Please see the Private Contractor section of the guidance notes at the bottom of this page for more information on what is required of a accredited private contractor.

Please note: We have a duty to maintain our highways and protect it from damage. It is an offence to do any works on the highway without our permission.

6. What will be the total cost of my Vehicle Crossing?

The cost depends of the amount of work that needs to be done and who you use to complete the work. We would expect the cost for a standard vehicle crossing to be in the region of £1200. However this depends on several factors which could possibly increase this figure;

Utility adjustment/diversion

Street Furniture adjustment

the size of the proposed vehicle crossing

the proposed site of the vehicle crossing

Downloadable documents

Icon Name of file Size Download time
PDF document Vehicle Crossing Application Guidance Notes 43 KB 0secs @ 2Mbps
PDF document List of Classified Roads 34 KB 0secs @ 2Mbps
Link to download Adobe Acrobat if required

Contact information

If you want to contact us regarding the content of this page please contact us at:

For any other council related enquiries please contact: