How Much Does Drop Kerbs Cost in the UK?

A dropped kerb typically costs £1,200–£2,500 for a standard residential installation, including breaking out the existing kerb, installing dropped kerb stones to BS 7533 standard, and reinstating the footway. Council application fees vary by local authority — typically £100–£500 on top. Some councils require their own highways team to complete the work, which increases cost. We provide a full breakdown after your free site survey.

Yes — you must get approval from your local highways authority before any work is carried out. Driving across a kerb without a properly approved and installed dropped kerb is illegal under the Highways Act 1980 and can result in enforcement action, fines, and an order to reinstate the kerb at your own expense. The application process varies by council — we advise on the correct process for your area as part of your free site survey.

Council approval times vary by local authority. Most councils take 4–12 weeks to process a crossover application. Some have longer backlogs. We advise you to apply well in advance of when you want the work done — ideally at the same time as planning any new driveway. We can guide you through the application and liaise with the council on your behalf.

No — the footway (pavement) is public highway and any works on it must be carried out by the council or a council-approved contractor. Unauthorised works on the public highway are illegal regardless of whether the kerb is on the boundary of your property. We are experienced in working to highways authority standards and can complete the installation correctly once approval is granted.

A vehicle crossover application (also called a dropped kerb application or access crossover application) is the formal request you submit to your local highways authority to lower the kerb outside your property. The application typically covers: the location and dimensions of the proposed crossover, a drainage statement, and in some councils a basic drawing. We help you prepare and submit the application as part of our service.

Yes — and this is the most cost-effective approach. We typically carry out driveway and dropped kerb works in a single mobilisation, reducing cost and disruption. The driveway works can begin immediately while the council application is in progress — the dropped kerb is usually the final element completed once approval is confirmed. We sequence the works to minimise inconvenience.

This is common — many homeowners converted their front garden years ago without going through the proper process. The good news is there is no time limit on applying retrospectively. We carry out dropped kerb installations for existing driveways regularly. The application process is the same as for a new driveway. Until the dropped kerb is approved and installed, you are technically driving on the public highway illegally each time you park on your driveway.