What is a vehicle crossover?

A vehicle crossover is the area in between the road and the front of a property where the vehicle crosses from the road to the property. Often it is a driveway with a dropped kerb. If you would like to install a vehicle crossover/dropped kerb you must contact the Council.

Costs

Since 1 April 2010 the charge for processing applications for vehicle crossovers has been £90 (non refundable). This covers the processing of the application and the cost of providing an estimate for the work required. The cost of installing vehicle crossover/dropped kerbs will be £160 per square metre.  The applicant must also pay the cost of re-siting lamp columns or replacing street trees etc,  as appropriate to the permission granted.

Provision of vehicle crossings under the Highways Act 1980

Legal considerations

Waltham Forest Council as the appropriate Highways Authority will deal with the request with or without modification, or may propose alternative works or reject the request.

If approved a quotation for the works will be provided and this payment must be received before any work is carried out. The authority will ensure that all works in connection with the provision of the domestic vehicle crossover is properly carried out.

Do I need planning permission?

Planning permission is not usually required for such work, but will be if:

  • The property involved has the frontage directly onto a classified road. See list of classified roads (13KB PDF file)
  • The property involved is a listed building
  • The property is other than a house for a single family, for example a flat or maisonette
  • The property is in a conservation area
  • Where the proposed hard standing has more than 5m2 of non permeable surface

In most cases as applications are received the Council will advise whether planning permission is required and send back the appropriate forms.

Where can I have a dropped kerb/crossover?

If you wish to drive a car onto your property and do not at the moment have a properly constructed crossing and have enough room in your front garden to park your car follow the instructions below.

How big should my garden be?

The normal depth of front garden required is 4.8 metres. In some cases it may be necessary to refuse permission where no suitable off-street car parking can be provided safely.

How much does it cost?

The fee for processing applications for vehicle crossovers will be £90 which is non refundable. This covers the processing of the application and the costs associated in providing the price for the work required.

Additional fees are also applicable if planning permission is required. Details of the current fees applicable can be found on planning portal website.

Following approval, the cost for installing vehicle crossover/dropped kerbs will be charged at £160 per square metre. The applicant must also pay the cost of re-siting lamp columns or replacing street trees etc, as appropriate to the permission granted.

Please note that:

  • Driving across unprotected footway or overhanging the footways are both offences under the Highway Act 1980.
  • Payment for a crossing does not constitute the sale of the land over which the crossing is constructed which remains the responsibility of the Council.

What do I do if I have a blocked vehicle crossing?

If your dropped kerb is being obstructed, you can arrange to have enforcement action taken by our contractors NSL.

NSL can be contacted:

6.30am-10pm Monday-Saturday 0845 331 2392 (option 5) and
9am-5pm Sunday 07793 697 477

Before enforcement can be considered the caller must be prepared to leave their name, contact number, details of the location and vehicle.

Outside the hours stated above the Police can deal with the issue as obstruction.

Blocked crossings constructed for pedestrian use

We undertake full enforcement against vehicles parked in a way that obstructs the use of the lowered kerb.

Illegal crossovers

All vehicle crossovers must have permission from and be properly constructed by the Council. People who take their vehicle across the kerbed paving or grass verge without having a properly constructed crossover can cause damage to the footway or verge and if they continue to do so will be served with a formal notice. Failure to comply with the notice may lead to a fine of up to £1,000 and re-charges for any works carried out by the Council to prevent the activity continuing.

Contact us

Public Realm
Environment and Regeneration
Low Hall
Argall Avenue
London E10 7AS

Tel 020 8496 3000
Email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk