If you need to cross over the footway in order to get your vehicle into your driveway, then you must, by law, have a crossover constructed.
A crossover is an area of lowered pavement and kerbs which is used to give access for vehicles from a road across the pavement and onto a driveway or parking area on a private property.
The crossover must be constructed by the Council's highway maintenance contractor, to the Council's specifications. This is because only qualified contractors are permitted to work on the highway. In this way we can be sure that when crossovers are installed the services that lie under the pavement are not put in jeopardy.
White crossover bar markings
The Council can also provide a white crossover bar marking, which is a white line which runs across your driveway parallel to the kerb line. This emphasises that there is a driveway there and discourages obstructive parking. However these markings are not enforceable, they are courtesy markings.
How to access the service
To install crossovers
If you need to have a crossover installed please contact The Highway Maintenance Group (contact details below) and we will send you an application form. Alternatively you can download a crossover application form by following the link on the right.
To install a white crossover bar marking
If you would like us to install a White Crossover Bar Marking please ring us on 020 8314 2038. There is a charge for this service.
Frequantely asked questions
How much does it cost?
The cost of a crossover is calculated on a square metre basis. The cost varies depending on the depth of the pavement, in other words from the kerb edge to the garden wall or drive. The cost will be more if a wider or double width crossing is required.
What if I live in a Council owned property?
If you live in a council-owned property, permission must be obtained by contacting your local housing office. You should advise them of your intentions and provide a drawing of the proposed parking area. Once permission has been granted, application must then be made to the Highways Maintenance Group.
Will there be any restrictions for a dropped kerb construction?
Yes, there are restrictions. If you live on a classified road you will be required to obtain planning permission. If you live in a conservation area you will need to obtain planning permission. A further charge will be made by the Planning Authority for this. It may not be possible to permit construction of the proposed crossing if, for example, it is to be close to safety fences, guard rails or at a busy road junction. Problems may also arise if the proposed crossing requires the movement of plant, for example, Telegraph poles, manholes, control cabinets, street lights etc.
How long will it take to get the work done?
The work will normally be carried out within 28 days of payment being cleared.
Can I get my own contractor?
No, all domestic vehicular crossovers must be constructed by the Council’s Highway Maintenance contractor. This is to ensure that the safety of any services that run beneath the footway are not jeopardised by the construction work.
Does the Council construct driveways or parking areas?
No, contractors can be located in the local newspapers or yellow pages.
I live in a conservation area. Are there any other requirements for constructing a crossover?
Yes - if you live in a conservation area Planning Consent will be required. Follow the link on the right of this page for further information about conservation areas.
I live on a red route. How do I apply for a crossover on a red route?
You will need consent from Transport for London (TfL) who are the highway authority for the red routes. You will also need Planning Consent from the Council. It is advisable to discuss the matter with TfL so that you have some idea whether they are likely to give consent before you apply for Planning Consent from the Council, as the Council does make a charge for this service.
Follow the link to the TfL website on the right of this page for their contact details, and further information on red routes.
What happens if a resident drives a vehicle over the footway without a dropped crossing?
If somebody regularly crosses the footway illegally, the Council can charge the resident for the cost of repairing any damage to the footpath.
What happens next?
Once we have received your application form one of the Highway Inspectors will visit your home to ensure that the criteria are met and that there would be no road safety problems if a crossing were constructed. Please note that the area you have available for parking outside your house must be at least the minimum length required by the criteria stated on the application form.
If all of the criteria are met we will send you an estimated cost for the work. The cost is based on a price per square metre and will very according to the width of the footway to be crossed.