Apply for a Dropped Kerb

If you need vehicle access to your property, you will usually require a dropped kerb (vehicle crossing). In Nottingham City, all applications must be approved by Nottingham City Council before any work is carried out.

What is a Dropped Kerb?

A dropped kerb is a section of pavement where the kerbstones have been lowered to allow vehicles to cross from the road onto private property.

It is illegal to drive over a standard raised kerb without an authorised crossing in place. You must apply for permission before any work is carried out.

How the process works

Nottingham City Council is responsible for vetting and approving applications for dropped kerbs. If your application is successful, you will be issued with a Section 184 licence, which gives permission for the work to be carried out.

There are specific conditions that must be met for approval, and a £170 fee is payable to Nottingham City Council for the licence.

Before any work can begin, you’ll need to submit a pre-application enquiry. This allows us to assess whether your property is suitable for a dropped kerb and whether it meets the necessary safety and planning requirements.

The pre-application helps determine:

• If there is enough space for safe vehicle access
• Whether visibility and road safety standards can be met
• If any utilities, trees, or street furniture may be affected

If your enquiry is approved, you’ll then be invited to submit a full application for a licence to install the dropped kerb.

Make a Dropped Kerb Enquiry

Installation of the Dropped Kerb

Nottingham City Council does not install dropped kerbs.

• You must appoint a suitably qualified third-party contractor
• The work is carried out at your own cost
• The council will check the contractor details once you confirm who you intend to use

The council cannot recommend contractors, so it is important to choose carefully.

Please be cautious when choosing a contractor. Some may claim to be “council approved”, but any work carried out on a public footway still requires a valid Section 184 licence issued by Nottingham City Council.

Read more guidance from the council here:
Council warning over rogue traders promising residents cheap and easy dropped kerbs

Eligibility Requirements

For an application to be considered, you must have a suitable driveway or hardstanding area in place, or one that will be constructed at the same time as the dropped kerb.

• The area must be made from permeable, bound materials
• Loose gravel is not permitted
• You must have enough space to park vehicles without overhanging the footway