Vehicle Crossover / Dropped Kerb

There is a process that needs to be followed before the construction of a crossover can take place. The process is set out below.

Before you start the process

We realise that residents will often want to park in the front or back of their property and will need a crossover to do so.

Before starting the process we would encourage you to take some time to consider whether off-street parking is essential. If you believe it is essential we would encourage you to think carefully about how you are going to treat the area on which you are going to park.

London's gardens, including front gardens, provide important green spaces. They contribute to the 'green-ness' of our streets. They also make an important contribution to absorbing rain water which would otherwise go into the sewer system - which is often overloaded.

If you really need to park on your garden please think very carefully before concreting or paving it over. Please think about using materials that allow water to go into the soil beneath (gravel, grass-concrete or grass-netting) or designing the area to drain to part of the garden that is not going to be paved over.

A good builder will be able to advise you of the various options.

We want you to think really careful about the environmental consequences before applying for a crossover so you can park on your garden.

The process

The following list will guide you through these steps, which should be followed in the order set out below.

Step 1. Obtain permission from Lambeth Transport and Highways

You need to obtain written permission from Lambeth Transport and Highways in order to proceed with the crossover application process.

The written permission confirms that the location of the proposed crossover and vehicular access would not adversely affect highway safety, and that the council would construct the crossover should planning consent be granted.

You will need to submit a drawing that clearly shows the exact position of the proposed crossover so that the Highways Officer can accurately assess your request.

Please write to:

Transport and Highways
(Crossover application)
3rd Floor Blue Star House
234-244 Stockwell Road
Brixton
London SW9 9SP

If you wish to discuss this aspect of your application further, please contact the call centre on 020 7926 9000.

Step 2. Obtain permission from Lambeth Planning

After you have received a positive written answer to step 1, you require one of the following from Lambeth Planning:

a) A certificate of lawfulness for a proposed use which confirms that planning permission is not required for the proposed vehicular access.

Or

b) A copy of planning permission for the vehicular access.

To obtain a certificate of lawfulness you will need to submit:

• the relevant application form
• the correct fee
• an OS Extract showing your property
• an up to date photograph of the area where the vehicle access will be (usually the front of your house)
• a copy of the letter from Transport and Highways saying they are happy with the position of the proposed crossover.

To make a planning application you will need to submit all of the above and detailed layout and elevation drawings showing the exact location of the proposed crossover and its position in relation to your property.

These drawings should also show any changes to the existing boundary treatment. These drawings should be of a scale of 1:50(2cm= 1 metre).

Please submit four copies of the application form and six copies of all the drawings.

You must include a copy of the letter that you received from the Transport and Highways Department. Without this your application may be delayed or refused.

Note: Planning permission will be required in most cases where the scheme concerns a house converted into flats, purpose built flats or a house in a conservation area.

You can visit planning for more information on the process, to obtain forms and see the schedule of fees. You can also find out who to contact to discuss which is the correct type of application for your property and to get help and advice.

Step 3. Submit crossover application form to Lambeth Transport and Highways

You now need to complete an application form for the construction of a permanent vehicular footway crossing.

You can download the application form or call Transport and Highways on 020 7926 0207.

Application for the construction of a permanent vehicular footway crossway

You need to return your completed application form, the appropriate fee and a copy of your planning permission or certificate of lawfulness to:

Transport and Highways
(Crossover application)
3rd Floor Blue Star House
234-244 Stockwell Road
Brixton
London SW9 9SP

Please note that there is a £15 charge for the council’s expenses if you do not send all the relevant documentation with this application.

Upon receipt of these documents the council will consult the statutory authorities, e.g. Gas, Electricity, Water and Cable & Wireless, to obtain their approval to construct the crossover. If this application is rejected your fee will be refunded.

Step 4. Quotes for construction works

If the necessary approvals of your application are received, we will inform you when your application has been passed to a Highways Engineer.

They will then visit the proposed site and provide you with a written quote for the crossover. Upon receiving the quotation and deciding to proceed, you must pay the charge before the council will make any arrangements for the crossover construction.

Note: The parking area of 2.4 by 4.8 stated in the Transport and Highways application form allows for the parking of a standard car. Larger cars or vans may require a larger area.

The construction of the parking area should be completed before the council will arrange for the construction of the crossover, the total amount must be paid to the council before works can be carried out.

Who to contact

Phone: 020 7926 9000
Email: TandHCallCentre@lambeth.gov.uk