Changes to the vehicle crossovers from 1 April 2008

From 1 April 2008 the charge for processing applications for vehicle crossovers will be £80. 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 £140.00 per square metre and the applicant must also pay the cost of re-siting lamp columns or replacing street trees as appropriate.

These charges apply to all applications received after 1 April 2008.

Provision of vehicle crossings under the Highways Act 1980

Legal considerations

The London Borough of Waltham Forest 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.

In addition the authority will ensure that domestic vehicle crossovers are properly constructed.

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
  • the property involved is a listed building
  • the property is other than a house for a single family, eg flat, maisonette
  • the property is in a conservation area

Planning permission is required for all vehicle crossovers in classified main roads. In the case of a vehicle crossing application that requires planning permission you will be notified by the Council to apply for one.

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 off-street car parking can be provided.

How much does it cost?

The cost of a vehicle crossing is £140 per square metre. In addition to this the applicant must also pay the full cost of re-siting a lamp column or replacing a street tree, if required.

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 NCP.

NCP can be contacted:

6.30am–10pm Mon–Sat 020 8520 1087 and
9am-5pm Sun  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.

Contact us

Waltham Forest Parking Group
PO Box 54410
Parking Section
LONDON  E10 7YS

Tel 020 8496 3000
Email parking.services@walthamforest.gov.uk