Dropped Kerbs
Policy on Dropped Kerbs
The Council will authorise dropped kerbs for properties where parking for one or more vehicles can be provided within the property. Wherever possible residents are encouraged to restrict the width of the dropped kerb, and approval will not normally be given to crossover widths of more than 3 standard kerbs (approx. 3’ or 0.92m long) plus the taper kerbs. If there is no alternative but to create a double width crossover, this should be restricted to a maximum of 6 standard kerbs plus tapers.
The Council’s Parking guidelines specify the size of a standard residential parking space (currently 2.4m x 4.8m) and the manoeuvring requirements to safely use it. (The normal manoeuvring requirements referred to relate to an additional 1.2m length for spaces parallel to the kerb). Footway crossovers will not be authorised unless this facilitates access to a standard, useable space in accordance with these guidelines.
Authorisation will be made subject to the creation of an opening in the boundary so that kerbs are not dropped unless an access is actually created in advance
If, in the opinion of the Head of Transportation Services, the creation of the access requires changes to the Parking Orders or street furniture, then the relevant costs will have to be met by the applicant (further details on application).
Applying for a Dropped Kerb
You can download an application form and further information on the application process from the link on the right of this page. Your completed application and fee should then be sent to the address on the form.
For further information on the installation of dropped kerbs please contact Transportation Services on 01202 262512.
The Purpose of Dropped Crossings
You need a dropped crossing to prevent damage to your car and the pavement. If you drive across the pavement without providing a proper dropped crossing the Council has powers to build one and recover the cost from you, or where necessary to erect barriers to prevent unsafe vehicle movements.
Checks you need to make
If you decide to go ahead with a dropped crossing you will first need to check if the property is a Listed Building or in a Conservation Area.
If you propose to provide a car parking area or remove part of the wall, fence or hedge within the boundaries of a Listed Building; or the property is in a Conversation Area contact the Council's Planning Design & Control Services on 01202 633321 for further information and advice.
Is the property an existing Council house?
If it is, your application must be accompanied by written consent from Poole Housing Partnership. Please contact them on 01202 633800 before making your application for a dropped kerb.
Is your property a former Council house?
Any changes to land or property previously owned by the Council requires Covenant Approval. In addition a formal Deed of Variation may be necessary. Advice and information can be obtained from the Council's Property Services on 01202 261242.
Costs Involved
Application: The application fee is £50. This will cover the administration and supervision costs of the construction to ensure that the crossing meets the standards required by the Council.
If we refuse your application, you will be advised in writing with a full explanation. However, the majority of applications are accepted. Your £50 is not refundable in the event of a refusal.
Construction: The costs for construction are not included in the application fee. This will be payable to your nominated contractor. A list of approved contractors is provided below.
The cost of installing each crossing will vary according to the width of the crossing and/or the width of the footpath. As an approximate guide, most standard width dropped kerbs constructed by the Council cost between £500 and £700, including VAT .
If the utility companies need to move their equipment, this will cost you extra (e.g. moving a lamp column costs approximately £1,000).
Getting The Work Done
Listed below are the contractors who are permitted to do this type of work in Poole. They all have experience in this type of work together with sufficient insurances and have proved themselves to be reliable and competent in working for the Council for a number of years at competitive cost. You must use one of these contractors to do your work.
The Next Step
On receipt of your application one of our highway inspectors will visit the site to carry out a safety check. If the inspector has any queries, we may ask you for further information. For example, where the dropped kerb is proposed on a busy road, we insist that there must be sufficient space to turn a car round within the site, so that you can always exit in forward gear. If the inspector is satisfied, we will then check the proposed crossing with the utility companies – this may take up to five weeks.
When we have heard from the utility companies we will advise you in writing that you have permission for the dropped kerb to be installed. At the same time we will forward the utility information to your chosen contractor. You will need to contact your chosen contractor to arrange for the work to be done and pay them direct. You have six months from the date of approval to have the crossing installed. After this time you will need to re-apply.
You must not arrange for any work to be undertaken on the highway until you have received permission in writing from us.
List of approved Contractors
Borough of Poole
Hatch Pond Depot
Hatchpond Road
Poole BH17 7LQ
Tel: (01202) 262512
P & B Ward Ltd
R/O 31 High Howe Lane
West Howe
Bournemouth BH11 9QS
Tel: (01202) 574029
Fletchamoore Ltd
North House Farm
Huntick Road
Lytchett Matravers
POOLE BH16 6BB
Tel: (01202) 624900
Winslade & Watton (Construction) Ltd
2 Rutland Road
Bournemouth BH9 1EQ
Tel: (01202) 776060
Mildren Construction Ltd
120 Matchams Lane
Hurn, Christchurch
Dorset BH23 6AN
Tel: (01202) 487480
Directgov