What Does A Dropped Kerb Mean In Construction?
What Does A Dropped Kerb Mean In Construction?
A dropped kerb in construction is a kerb that has been lowered from its original height to allow for access by vehicles and pedestrians.
This type of kerb is typically used for road crossings or to provide vehicle access to private driveways, such as those found in residential housing.
Dropped kerbs are also known as entrance ramps, chamfers or local authority crossings, and are installed with either concrete, asphalt or cast iron materials.
They can be designed in various ways to suit different applications, such as a steep ramp for use with small utility vehicles or a gentle rise for use by pedestrians.
As well as providing accessibility on foot, dropped kerbs can also help improve safety by allowing cars and other vehicles easy access onto pavements without having to go around them.
Can You Park Next To A Dropped Kerb Outside Your House?
It is generally not allowed to park next to a dropped kerb outside your house, as this might be obstructing the pavement and pedestrian access.
However, in some areas permission may be granted from the local authority for personal use if there is sufficient space available and parking isn’t causing any issues with pedestrian access or visibility.
If you require permission then you must submit an application form that contains details such as proof of identity, address, and evidence of sufficient space around the dropped kerb area.
Depending on your request, further conditions or restrictions may be added which must then be followed at all times.
Who Is Responsible For Dropped Kerb Maintenance?
Drop kerbs are maintained by the local authority responsible for the area. They can inspect existing drop kerbs and approve applications for new ones to be installed, ensuring they adhere to all regulations, are made of durable materials, and are suitably marked with warning notices.
The responsibility for maintaining a drop kerb lies with both the landowner who requested its installation, and their neighbours whose properties it serves.
They should make regular spot checks on the drop kerb’s successiveness, ensure any surrounding vegetation is kept trimmed back or removed to prevent overgrowth which can destabilise the structure, and keep drainage channels clear of debris so that water does not accumulate in or near the kerb.
Can You Oppose A Dropped Kerb?
Yes, it is possible to oppose a dropped kerb. A dropped kerb, also known as a vehicular crossing, is an area of roadway which has been lowered in order to allow vehicle access to driveways or parking spaces that would otherwise not be accessible from the road.
To oppose a dropped kerb, written representations must be submitted to your local authority outlining why you object and how it affects you or your property.
The council will then consider the objections before deciding whether to grant or refuse permission for the dropped kerb.
How High Should A Dropped Kerb Be?
A dropped kerb should be raised high enough to bridge the difference between the road level and the path or driveway it is connecting.
Depending on how much of a slope there is, this height can vary from 6mm up to 25mm. The aim is to ensure that any vehicle crossing over it can move with relative ease and minimal disruption of its suspension.
The finished surface of a dropped kerb should always be level with the existing pavement so that pedestrians are not impeded or presented with an obstacle in their path.