Skip navigation

Surrey County Council logo

What's behind the website banner?

General enquiries: 03456 009 009

Text size

Help tools


Site search


Global navigation

Vehicle crossovers or dropped kerbs

Please Note:

  • Please read the approval process guidance notes before completing the application form.
  • When completing the application form please provide as much information as possible on the sketch, including dimensions of the access into your property.
  • If it is not possible for a crossing to be provided we will advise you in writing.
  • There is no appeals procedure under the Highways Act but all applications are considered fairly in line with this process.

Frequently asked Questions

  1. What is a vehicle crossover?
  2. Why do I need a vehicle crossover?
  3. How much does it cost to apply?
  4. Can anyone construct a vehicle crossover?
  5. What will be the cost of my crossover?
  6. Am I responsible for the pipes and cables buried underground?
  7. How will I know if the work is satisfactory?
  8. What does 'Coring Programme' mean?
  9. Becoming an approved contractor

Q1 What is a vehicle crossover?

A vehicle crossover allows you to access your property safely and easily when you are using a car or other domestic vehicle. This means that the kerbs are dropped from their normal height and the pavement or verge is strengthened to take the weight of the vehicle crossing it.

Return to top


Q2 Why do I need a vehicle crossover?

We do not allow you to drive over a pavement or verge unless a vehicle crossover has been authorised and put in. This is because you may damage the pavement or any pipes or cables that are buried underneath it. The crossover allows you to pass safely from the carriageway preventing any obstruction to the highway.

Return to top


Q3 How much does it cost to apply?

The total cost for the application is £154 this includes:
  • The administration costs
  • Site survey for suitability
  • Contacting the Utility companies to see if they have any equipment buried at the site.
  • Inspection of the site to make sure that it is built to the correct standards
A cheque for the fee should be included in your application. Note this fee is non refundable

Return to top


Q4 Can anyone construct a vehicle crossover?

Those seeking a vehicle crossover must obtain prior agreement from us and use one of our approved contractors.

We take seriously our duty to maintain our highways and protect it from damage, if necessary by legal action. It is an offence to do any works on the footway without our express permission. Unauthorised vehicle crossovers will cause the footway to deteriorate and put those using the footway at risk.

Return to top


Q5 What will be the cost of my crossover?

The cost depends on the amount of work that needs to be done and the contractor you use. We would expect the cost for a standard vehicle crossover to start in the region of £800 - £1800

However there are several external factors that can increase this figure -

  • Utility adjustment/diversion
  • Street furniture adjustment
  • The size of the proposed crossover
  • The gradient of the proposed crossover
  • The proposed site of the crossover
  • The sensitivity of the road
Return to top


Q6 Am I responsible for the pipes and cables buried underground?

Yes. As part of our initial checks, we will contact all of the utility companies to see what equipment is located underground. This information will be passed to you in your 'crossover pack'. If there is equipment that requires adjustment or diversion you will be responsible for the arrangement and cost

Return to top


Q7 How will I know if the work is satisfactory?

Once the work has finished we will visually inspect it to make sure that the work has been carried satisfactorily. The contractor will be liable for the work for a period of two years after the construction.

We also operate a Coring Programme to ensure the continual high standards of workmanship.

Return to top


Q8 What does 'Coring Programme' mean?

To ensure the quality of work of the approved contractors we carry out cores on 10% of their works on the Highway.

A core is a 100mm diameter cylinder shaped extraction that is removed from the crossover and checked for quality in our materials lab. This is to ensure our contractors are following the specification that we have provided them with.

If your crossover has been selected you will receive a letter from Surrey Highways Area Office. At the same time as the core is taken the core hole will be filled with approved material. The coring will leave the crossover fit for purpose.

Return to top


Q9 Becoming an approved contractor

If you would like to become an approved contractor for the construction of crossovers within Surrey you will need:
  • Auditable accounts for three years
  • New Roads and Streetworks accredited Operators and Supervisors
  • Public Liability Insurance £5,000,000 minimum
  • Accredited Health and Safety Officer
If you meet the criteria set out above you can express an interest in becoming an approved contractor by e-mailing Sam Cunningham via contact.centre@surreycc.gov.uk

Files available to download

FilenameDescription
Vehicle Crossover application Jul 10Vehicle crossover application form revised July 2010

Vehicle crossover - Approval Process GuidanceVehicle crossover, approval process guidance information revised July 2010



Page information