Everything you need to know about installing a drop kerb in Exeter, from council applications to groundworks requirements and typical costs.
Complete Guide to Drop Kerb Installation in Exeter
Thinking about creating a new driveway? Your first step is installing a drop kerb. Also known as a vehicle crossover, this lowered section of pavement is legally required for driving across public footways. Here's everything you need to know about the process in Exeter.
Quick Tip: Start your drop kerb application early! The entire process from application to completion typically takes 4-5 months in Exeter.
Understanding Drop Kerbs
A drop kerb isn't just a convenience - it's a legal requirement. Without one, you're technically breaking the law every time you drive over the pavement, and it could invalidate your car insurance.
Do You Need One?
✅ Yes, if you're:• Creating a new driveway
• Converting your front garden to parking
• Formalizing existing vehicle access
• Running a business that needs vehicle access
• Converting your front garden to parking
• Formalizing existing vehicle access
• Running a business that needs vehicle access
⚠️ Legal consequences without one:• Fines up to £1,000
• Invalid car insurance
• Council enforcement action
• Potential property sale issues
• Invalid car insurance
• Council enforcement action
• Potential property sale issues
The Devon County Council Process
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before you start dreaming about that new driveway, make sure your property qualifies:
| Requirement | Details | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Parking space size | Minimum 5m × 2.4m | Ensures safe off-street parking |
| Garden coverage | Max 50% hard standing | Prevents flooding issues |
| Drainage | Must not drain to highway | Legal requirement |
| Visibility | Clear sightlines required | Highway safety |
Location Restrictions: You can't install a drop kerb within 10m of a junction, near bus stops, traffic lights, or pedestrian crossings. Check with the council if you're unsure.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Gather these documents for your application:
• Completed application form (download from Devon CC website)
• Scaled site plan showing the proposed crossover
• Proof of property ownership
• Vehicle tracking drawings (for complex sites)
• Application fee payment
• Scaled site plan showing the proposed crossover
• Proof of property ownership
• Vehicle tracking drawings (for complex sites)
• Application fee payment
Submit to:Devon County Council Highways
County Hall, Topsham Road
Exeter EX2 4QD Or apply online at devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport
County Hall, Topsham Road
Exeter EX2 4QD Or apply online at devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport
Step 3: The Assessment (6-8 weeks)
Council officers will visit your property to check:
• Highway and pedestrian safety
• Underground utilities (gas, water, telecoms)
• Tree root protection zones
• Existing drainage systems
Step 4: Getting Approval
If successful, you'll receive:
• Written permission with conditions
• Technical specifications for the work
• List of approved contractors
• 6-month deadline to complete the work
Understanding the Costs
Council Fees (2024 Rates)
Standard application: £175
Multiple crossovers: £175 + £88 each additional
Retrospective application: £350
Pre-application advice: £88
Multiple crossovers: £175 + £88 each additional
Retrospective application: £350
Pre-application advice: £88
Construction Costs Breakdown
Here's what you can expect to pay for the actual installation:
| Drop Kerb Type | Price Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic installation | £1,500-£2,500 | Kerbs, basic reinstatement |
| With tarmac apron | £2,000-£3,500 | Kerbs + tarmac crossover |
| With block paving | £2,500-£4,000 | Kerbs + decorative surface |
| Complex installation | £4,000+ | Utility moves, tree work, drainage |
Hidden Costs to Consider
• Utility checks and relocations: £200-£2,000
• Planning permission (if needed): £234
• Building regulations: £300-£500
• White line removal: £150-£300
• Tree surveys (if needed): £300-£500
• Planning permission (if needed): £234
• Building regulations: £300-£500
• White line removal: £150-£300
• Tree surveys (if needed): £300-£500
Technical Specifications
Construction Standards
Your drop kerb must meet strict technical requirements:
Kerb specifications:• 125mm upstand height
• Transition kerbs both sides
• Council-approved materials only
• Correct alignment with road
• Transition kerbs both sides
• Council-approved materials only
• Correct alignment with road
Surface requirements:• 150mm Type 1 MOT sub-base
• 60mm tarmac minimum
• 1:40 fall towards road
• Tactile paving where required
• 60mm tarmac minimum
• 1:40 fall towards road
• Tactile paving where required
Drainage is Critical
Exeter Flood Risk: With our city's flooding history, proper drainage is essential. Surface water must NOT drain onto the highway - you'll need soakaways or permeable paving.
The Installation Timeline
• Week 1: Site preparation, utility marking, neighbor notification
• Week 2: Excavation, sub-base installation, kerb laying
• Week 3: Surface installation, reinstatement, final inspections
• Week 2: Excavation, sub-base installation, kerb laying
• Week 3: Surface installation, reinstatement, final inspections
Common Exeter Challenges
Conservation Areas
Living in St Leonards, Pennsylvania, or near the city centre? You'll face additional requirements:
• Heritage-style materials required
• Design approval needed
• Potentially higher costs
• Longer approval times
• Design approval needed
• Potentially higher costs
• Longer approval times
Typical Exeter Issues
| Challenge | Impact | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Narrow streets | Access difficulties | Specialist equipment, traffic management |
| Mature trees | Root protection needed | Arboricultural survey, special methods |
| Shallow utilities | Risk of damage | Hand digging, utility protection |
| Victorian infrastructure | Unknown services | Comprehensive surveys, contingency budget |
Choosing the Right Contractor
Essential Requirements
Non-negotiables: Your contractor MUST be on Devon County Council's approved list. Using an unapproved contractor means starting the entire process again.
Questions to Ask Contractors
• "How many drop kerbs have you installed in Exeter?"
• "Can you show me examples of recent local work?"
• "What's your process for dealing with unexpected utilities?"
• "What warranty do you provide?"
• "Is everything included in your quote?"
• "Can you show me examples of recent local work?"
• "What's your process for dealing with unexpected utilities?"
• "What warranty do you provide?"
• "Is everything included in your quote?"
Red Flags to Avoid
• Not on the council's approved list
• Significantly cheaper than other quotes
• Demands cash-only payment
• Won't provide a written contract
• Pressures you to start immediately
• Significantly cheaper than other quotes
• Demands cash-only payment
• Won't provide a written contract
• Pressures you to start immediately
Money-Saving Strategies
Smart timing:• Winter installations often cheaper
• Combine with neighbors to share costs
• Book during contractor quiet periods
• Combine with neighbors to share costs
• Book during contractor quiet periods
Cost reduction:• Stick to basic specifications
• Clear the site yourself
• Get multiple quotes
• Avoid unnecessary extras
• Clear the site yourself
• Get multiple quotes
• Avoid unnecessary extras
What If Your Application is Refused?
Don't panic - you have options:
• Appeal within 28 days: Provide additional evidence addressing concerns
• Modify your proposal: Consider a narrower crossover or different location
• Seek alternatives: Explore rear access or nearby parking solutions
• Get professional help: Highway consultants can strengthen reapplications
• Modify your proposal: Consider a narrower crossover or different location
• Seek alternatives: Explore rear access or nearby parking solutions
• Get professional help: Highway consultants can strengthen reapplications
Long-Term Responsibilities
Once installed, maintenance is shared:
| Your Responsibilities | Council Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Keep crossover clear of obstructions | Highway surface repairs |
| Maintain your drainage system | Street lighting maintenance |
| Repair damage you cause | Road marking upkeep |
| No modifications without permission | General footway maintenance |
Environmental Considerations
Go Green: Exeter City Council encourages sustainable solutions. Consider permeable block paving, rain gardens, or resin-bound surfaces to manage water sustainably while creating an attractive driveway.
Your Next Steps
Ready to proceed? Here's your action plan:
• Measure your proposed parking area
• Check for any location restrictions
• Download application forms from Devon CC website
• Get initial quotes from approved contractors
• Budget for the total project cost
• Submit your application with all required documents
• Check for any location restrictions
• Download application forms from Devon CC website
• Get initial quotes from approved contractors
• Budget for the total project cost
• Submit your application with all required documents
Need Expert Help? RONIN Groundworks is on Devon County Council's approved contractor list. We've installed dozens of drop kerbs across Exeter and understand the local challenges. Contact us for a free site assessment and competitive quote.
Related Topics
drivewaysregulationsplanning permissioncostsexetercouncil