In the UK, drivers are not allowed to park adjacent to the flat, lowered section of a dropped kerb. This is a contravention that may result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) or vehicle towing. It is generally advised to leave at least 1.5 metres or about 5 feet of clearance to avoid blocking access.
To avoid fines and ensure safety, it is important to follow the parking safety rules. If you park close to the sloped edges of the dropped kerb, it can block access to driveways, pedestrian crossings, or mobility routes. You may be fined for this blockage, and you must pay the fine. That is why you need to understand these rules if you want to avoid hefty fines.
A dropped kerb is a specially lowered part of the pavement that allows vehicles to move smoothly from the road onto private property. It provides a safe and legal entry point for cars to cross the footpath without damaging the kerb or pavement. It makes it easier for pedestrians, including wheelchair users, cyclists, and parents pushing strollers, to move between the sidewalk and the street.
These kerbs are commonly installed outside homes and properties with driveways, making it easier and safer for residents to park their vehicles off the street. By creating direct access from the road to a driveway or parking area, dropped kerbs improve both convenience and safety for drivers.
According to the Highways Act 1980 (Section 184), it is illegal to drive your vehicle across a pavement due to the absence of a suitable vehicle crossover. This means you cannot simply drive over a pavement to create access to your property without formal permission. By doing so, you may pay compensation to any pedestrians who are hurt in an accident. Moreover, you may also pay if you damage the underground or the gas, electricity, or water utilities.
Under the Traffic Management Act 2004, if your vehicle blocks dropped kerbs, you can receive Penalty Charge Notices from the council. Your vehicle does not have to obstruct the dropped kerb to be fully considered in violation. Even partial obstruction may result in a penalty.
Enforcement is becoming considerably stricter in 2026. In 2026, local authorities in England will be allowed to restrict pavement parking, including areas near dropped kerbs. This removes the need for a slow, street-by-street process that previously delayed action. The goal is to maintain pavements safe for people who use wheelchairs or are disabled.
You may be fined around £100 by the council in counties including Hampshire, Surrey, and Oxfordshire. National guidance to support this is expected later in 2026. Drivers should not assume a warning will come first. What passed without penalty before may now result in an immediate fine.
Drivers are not allowed to park in front of or next to a dropped kerb because it blocks important access points such as driveways, crossings, or cycle paths.
Before applying, confirm your property meets the basic requirements. To park your vehicle on your property, there should be a room for a driveway of at least 4.75 metres. Applications will not be permitted if the proposed access intersects pre-existing public parking, such as a lay-by.
You will require planning permission from your local District or Borough council before applying if the dropped kerb is located on a classified road (A, B, or C road). For unclassified residential roads, permission may not be required, but you need to always check with your local council first.
Contact your local Highway Authority to apply online or request a paper form. If your hard surface is above 5 square metres, you need to make it of permeable materials or provide proper drainage. In this way, the water runs off into a Greenery within your garden.
Fees vary by council. In some areas, the licence and inspection fee is £320. You should not pay this fee until you have applied for a licence. Note that application fees are generally non-refundable.
After the application is submitted, the council member will visit your property to assess the application and will inform you of the outcome, typically within 6 weeks.
Once approved, you need to hire a reputable contractor to book road space and construct the dropped kerb that meets the council’s specification. When you receive the approval letter, you should complete your construction work.
Once the construction is complete, the council will conduct final checks to ensure the dropped kerb meets the agreed specifications before signing off.
Parking across a dropped kerb is generally prohibited because it can block access to driveways and create problems for pedestrians. In many areas, doing so may result in a parking ticket or other penalties issued by the local council. These rules ensure homeowners can enter and exit their properties easily and that pedestrians, including those in wheelchairs or strollers, can cross the road safely.
For homeowners, having a properly approved dropped kerb is essential if they want to drive onto their driveway from the road. Before installation, you need permission from the local council. If you overlook these rules, you will be fined. If a vehicle is parked in front of your dropped kerb without permission, you can report it to your local council so they can investigate and take appropriate action.
Parking near a dropped kerb in the UK requires careful attention to local parking rules and road safety. These lowered kerbs are designed to provide easy access to driveways, pedestrian crossings, and cycle paths. So, blocking them can cause inconvenience and safety issues for residents and pedestrians. To avoid receiving a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) or having their vehicle removed, drivers should never park directly in front of or too close to a dropped kerb. By following proper guidelines and local rules, drivers and property owners help create safer, more accessible streets.
