PARK STRIFE
Is it illegal to park across someone’s driveway if they do not have a dropped kerb?
You could receive a Penalty Charge Notice for parking across a dropped kerb outside your own property
DROPPED kerbs are a good indicator of whether you are legally permitted to park somewhere.
But what about parking across someone's driveway if they do not have a dropped kerb? Here's what you need to know.
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Is it illegal to park across someone's driveway if they do not have a dropped kerb?
There are two factors to consider when parking in front of a driveway which does not have a dropped kerb.
Firstly, it is a legal requirement to have a dropped kerb to access a driveway in front of a premises.
Secondly, the Highway Code rule 243 states DO NOT stop or park in front of an entrance to a property.
An entrance to a property is typically indicated by a dropped kerb.
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Without one, it is not illegal to park across someone's driveway.
According to RED Driver Training, what makes parking across someone's driveway illegal is if there IS a dropped kerb — not that you're blocking access.
If you're parked over a dropped kerb — or even only covering it slightly — you could receive three points on your licence as well as a fine.
The fine issued for this parking violation is a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of up to £90 and if appropriate the vehicle may be removed and impounded.
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Complaints of this contravention can be made to the local police or council.
Drivers should also be aware that they could be at risk of receiving a PCN for parking across a dropped kerb outside their own property.
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If there is a dropped kerb outside your property, you should contact your local council with your vehicle's make, model, and registration, as well as proof of residence.
By registering this information with your local council, you can avoid any possibility of fines for parking on the dropped kerb in front of your house.
What does a dropped kerb mean?
A dropped kerb is where the pavement has been flattened to meet the level of the road.
It is also called a crossover and allows cars to drive over the pavement to get into their driveway from the road easily.
Dropped kerbs are also in place for easy pedestrian crossing.
You can't just put one in place — you need to apply for one from your local authority.
Rule 243 of the Highway Code also states you should not stop or park "where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users and powered mobility vehicles".
How do I get a dropped kerb outside my house?
You need to apply through your local council to get a dropped kerb put outside your house.
You can find out who your local council is on the .
According to Checkatrade the average cost of a dropped kerb is roughly £1,800 to create a new vehicle access point, or £1,100 to widen an existing one.
These prices do not include planning permission, with each council across the UK having its own cost structure.
The average cost for planning permission for a dropped kerb will range between £50 and £400 depending on your location.
There could also be a street work licence charged by your council, with a standard fee in the region of £450.
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If you put in a dropped kerb without applying for it, you could be faced with a hefty fine.
When The Sun checked how much you could be charged, some councils like Waltham Forest said you could land yourself with a fine of up to £1,000.
Ten things YOU should know as a car owner
To help you feel more confident as a car owner, here are ten things you should be familiar with about your vehicle:
- When is your MOT due? Find out here
- When is your car tax due? Find out here
- Is it illegal to drive barefoot?
- How many units can you drink and drive?
- What do dashboard warning lights mean?
- Is it illegal to drive without road tax?
- Can you be fined for breaking the highway code?
- How to change the address on your driving licence
- What does MOT stand for?
- Is it illegal to park across someone's driveway?
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