Dropped Kerb Guide for Brentwood & Essex Residents
Everything you need to know about applying for a dropped kerb in Essex — costs, timelines, council process and legal requirements.
What is a dropped kerb?
A dropped kerb (also called a vehicle crossover) is a lowered section of pavement kerb that allows vehicles to drive from the road onto your property. Without one, driving over a full-height kerb is illegal — it damages the pavement, can damage your vehicle's suspension, and may invalidate your car insurance.
If you're installing a new driveway where there isn't already vehicle access, you'll need to apply for a dropped kerb before the driveway work begins.
Who do I apply to?
In the Brentwood area, dropped kerb applications go to Essex County Council (the highways authority), not Brentwood Borough Council. This catches many homeowners out — the borough handles planning permission, but the county handles anything that affects the public highway.
You can apply online through the Essex County Council website. The council will inspect the location, check sightlines, assess nearby junctions and pedestrian crossings, and decide whether to approve the crossing.
How much does it cost?
The total cost of a dropped kerb in Essex typically ranges from £800 to £1,500, which includes:
- Council application and inspection fee: £200–£400
- Contractor labour and materials: £500–£900
- Reinstatement of pavement surface: included in most quotes
Some driveway contractors include the dropped kerb in their overall quote. Others treat it as a separate job. Always clarify this upfront.
How long does it take?
The council application process takes 6–8 weeks on average. Once approved, the physical installation takes 1–2 days. Plan ahead — if you're having a new driveway installed, submit the dropped kerb application well in advance so everything is ready when the contractor arrives.
Applications can be refused if the location is too close to a junction (usually within 10 metres), on a bend with poor visibility, near a pedestrian crossing, or if there are underground utilities that would be affected.
Can my driveway contractor do it?
Many driveway contractors in our directory will handle the dropped kerb application and installation on your behalf. This is usually the easiest option — they know the process, have relationships with the council, and can coordinate the timing with the rest of your driveway work.
However, some councils require that the dropped kerb is installed by their own approved contractors. Check with Essex County Council whether you can use your own contractor or must use one from their approved list.
Legal requirements
It's important to understand the legal position:
- Driving over a full-height kerb is a criminal offence under the Highways Act 1980
- Damaging the pavement makes you liable for repair costs — the council can bill you directly
- Your car insurance may not cover damage caused by driving over an unapproved kerb
- You cannot install a dropped kerb yourself — it must be done by an approved contractor after council permission
The application process exists to protect pedestrians, manage drainage and maintain road safety. It's a legal requirement, not optional.