Dropped Kerb Parking Laws

The rules at your kerb - what is changing and why it matters

Parking across a dropped kerb is no longer a grey area. Across Great Britain, councils are tightening up how they protect pavements, crossings and driveway access. In England, new powers arriving in early 2026 allow local authorities to restrict pavement parking area-wide, including at dropped kerbs, without the slow street-by-street process. The aim is simple: keep pavements continuous for wheelchair users, people with visual impairments, and parents pushing prams. In Scotland, councils such as South Lanarkshire have already moved to fines for parking at dropped kerbs, along with bans on double parking and obstructing pavements.

This is not a blanket national ban in England. The Department for Transport confirmed a local-control approach, meaning councils set rules that fit their roads, with scope for exemptions where needed. Expect clearer signage in hotspots, targeted restrictions near schools and high streets, and firmer follow-through where pedestrians are routinely forced into the carriageway. Where enforcement steps up, drivers will see more tickets and fewer warnings.

For homeowners, a dropped kerb remains the legal gateway between road and driveway. If you are planning to install one, councils apply strict dimensions to stop vehicles overhanging the footway. Some drivers explore non-enforceable deterrents such as Access Protection Markings - those yellow lines that politely say do not block - to reduce nuisance parking across their driveways.

Understanding APR is not the only finance lesson here. If you intend to fund a new driveway and dropped kerb, know the council criteria first to avoid paying for plans that will be rejected. Across the UK there is strong public support for stopping pavement obstruction. The direction of travel is clear: safer footways, predictable enforcement, and better access for everyone.

Parking that blocks a dropped kerb often blocks a life. Keep access clear.

Who benefits from knowing this

If you drive, park, own a driveway, or plan to install one, these changes affect you. Commuters who regularly leave the car on residential streets need to understand where pavement and dropped-kerb restrictions will tighten. Families, Blue Badge holders, wheelchair users and people with visual impairments gain safer, more direct routes. Homeowners dealing with frequent driveway blockers can consider practical deterrents and, where suitable, an approved dropped kerb. If you are budgeting a home improvement that includes a new crossing, you will want clarity on eligibility, costs and timescales before arranging finance.

Your practical choices

1. Park fully on the carriageway and leave dropped kerbs unobstructed.

2. Check local rules - look for council-wide pavement parking restrictions.

3. Apply for an approved dropped kerb if you need driveway access.

4. Use Access Protection Markings to deter casual blockers of existing drives.

5. Appeal or challenge a ticket only with clear evidence and within deadlines.

6. Plan finance for driveway and kerb works once eligibility is confirmed.

What it could cost and what you gain

APM prices are set by local councils where available and frequently cover the full kerb including tapers. Works for a dropped kerb depend on pavement type, drainage adjustments and utility diversions, so quotes can vary widely. Penalty levels are locally set within national guidance and may increase with stronger enforcement.

Who qualifies for a dropped kerb

Councils approve vehicle crossings only where it is safe and practical. Expect minimum clear space from your boundary to the back of the pavement so your vehicle does not overhang. Typical standards include around 5.5 metres in length and 2.7 metres in width for standard cars and small vans, with steeper requirements on narrow streets or near junctions. Vehicle type matters too. Many authorities allow only private light goods vehicles to use a new crossing and specifically exclude heavy goods vehicles or plant. If your vehicle is unusually long or high, check before you design the driveway. You may need additional depth or a different layout to avoid obstructing footways.

Councils will also assess visibility, proximity to bus stops, pedestrian crossings and utilities. If moving a street tree, lamp column or drain, costs rise and timelines stretch. Apply before paying a contractor deposit. If you intend to finance the work, Kandoo can help you compare unsecured and secured loan options, but lenders will expect a clear scope of works and evidence that permission is in hand. A compliant plan reduces the risk of rejection and keeps your project affordable.

Step-by-step to stay on the right side of the kerb

1. Check your council web page for current parking restrictions.

2. Map your regular parking spots against new enforcement zones.

3. If installing, measure driveway space precisely against council standards.

4. Request a pre-application check or site visit if available.

5. Get quotes covering utilities, drainage and reinstatement requirements.

6. Secure written approval before signing any works contract or finance.

7. Consider an APM for existing drives to deter occasional blockers.

Upsides and trade-offs at a glance

Read this before you park or apply

Local control is the theme. England is moving to council-set pavement parking restrictions that can be applied across an area rather than single streets. That means more consistency within a borough but different approaches across neighbouring ones. In Scotland, recent enforcement highlights where the trend is heading: fewer warnings, more tickets in busy locations, and stronger protection at dropped kerbs. If you park regularly in unfamiliar areas, check local signage and markings carefully and leave room at driveways and pedestrian crossings. If you are planning a driveway, measure first, secure permission second, and only then arrange contractors or finance. Finally, remember that obstructing a dropped kerb affects people who may have no safe alternative route. The law is tightening to reflect that reality.

Alternatives that may suit your situation

1. Off-street rental parking or residents permit schemes where available.

2. Adjusted vehicle choice to fit existing driveway dimensions.

3. Timed parking arrangements with neighbours to avoid blocking.

4. Car club membership to reduce on-street parking demand.

5. Public transport or active travel for peak-time journeys.

Questions people often ask

Q: Is parking across a dropped kerb illegal everywhere? A: Across Great Britain it is generally prohibited where it obstructs access or pedestrian crossings. In England, councils increasingly use area-wide restrictions. In Scotland, enforcement is already strong in many areas.

Q: Do Access Protection Markings stop people parking across my drive? A: They help. APMs are a clear visual deterrent but are not legally enforceable. Councils typically paint the full length of the dropped kerb including the tapers.

Q: What vehicle sizes do councils consider for a dropped kerb? A: Expect minimum space around 5.5 metres by 2.7 metres for standard cars, with limits on heavy vehicles. Always check the specification on your council website.

Q: Will Blue Badge holders be exempt from pavement parking rules? A: Exemptions and loading windows are set locally. Some councils allow limited loading or assisted access, but you must follow posted signs and time limits.

Q: How soon will new English powers take effect? A: Early 2026 is the expected timeline for broader local authority powers. Some councils may phase in enforcement and signage ahead of full roll-out.

Q: Can I appeal a ticket for blocking a dropped kerb? A: Yes, if you have evidence such as unclear signage or genuine emergency. Appeal within the stated period and follow the council process precisely.

How Kandoo can help

Planning a compliant driveway and dropped kerb often means upfront costs. Kandoo connects you with a panel of UK lenders so you can compare rates, terms and monthly payments in minutes. Once you have council approval, we help you finance the works responsibly, with clear information to support confident decisions.

Important information

This article provides general guidance, not legal advice. Parking rules vary by local authority and can change. Always check your council website and posted signs before parking or starting works. Finance is subject to status and affordability checks.