Dropped kerbs (or vehicle crossovers) for driveways

Request permission for a dropped kerb licence.

1 Overview

A dropped kerb (or vehicle crossover) is the dipped or lowered kerb that allows you to access your driveway from the road by driving across the pavement. The costs are:

  • the non-refundable vehicle crossover (VCO) assessment fee is £207
  • the vehicle crossover construction licence is £297
  • a copy of a vehicle crossover (VCO) licence is £65

A licence is required to create a dropped kerb or widen an existing one in front of your drive or hardstanding.

It is an offence to drive across a footway to access your property without a legally constructed dropped kerb. This is because it may cause damage to the footway or the services (gas, electric and water) underneath.

Before construction of the dropped kerb can start you need to:

  • check to see if you need planning permission from your local district or borough council
  • seek approval from us - if approved, the approval is valid for 6 months. Check your application meets our criteria before you submit your application because the fee is non-refundable. You can use the checklist in the guidance document below
  • choose a contractor - we recommend you get at least 3 written quotes
  • make sure your chosen contractor applies to us for a licence to construct the dropped kerb
  • ensure the contractor notifies us when the work will start - when construction does start, a highway officer will inspect the construction during and after completion

Supporting document

Fast track service for contractor licences

Should you require more urgent approval, you have the option to use our fast track service. We aim to process fast track applications within 1 working day.

If you choose this option, an additional £50 will be added to the total cost of your application. In order to obtain this fast track licence, email highwayslicencing@westsussex.gov.uk before submitting your licence request.

3 Terms and conditions

The works

All works shall be in accordance with the specific requirements issued by West Sussex County Council at the time of the resident’s application and insofar as the site will be subject to periodic inspection.

Traffic control

The executor of the works shall provide and erect all necessary warning notices, signs and signals for the satisfactory control of traffic. This is in accordance with chapter 8 - 'Traffic Signs Manual 1991' and the 'Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1994' and any subsequent amendments thereof as directed by the highway network manager.

Health, safety and welfare

The executor of the works shall undertake works in accordance with the 'Health and Safety at Work Act 1974' and all other legislation, approved codes of practice and guidelines applicable to the works. This shall be done with regards to the protection of the public from the works.

Disabled and blind persons

All works shall be executed with due regard to the additional needs of disabled and blind persons using the highway.

Road signs

No existing road sign or line shall be obstructed or rendered less effective due to the execution of works without the approval of the council and the provision of alternative signing or lining to their requirements.

Signing and guarding

All signing, lighting and guarding of these works must comply with safety at 'Street Works and Road Works' A code of practice.

Planning

It is the responsibility of the applicant to consult with the local planning authority to determine whether a planning approval is required for these works.

Non compliance 

In the event of the works not being to the entire satisfaction of the council the works shall cease and the original conditions shall be restored forthwith. If necessary, the restoration of works will be carried out by the county council and the costs shall be recoverable.

Last updated:
26 August 2025
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