A to Z of services

Driving a vehicle across a footway or verge onto a driveway without having a properly constructed vehicle access crossing is an offence punishable by a fine of up to £1,000. Only Lancashire County Council's appointed contractor can carry out this work for you (not the contractor you employed to create your driveway).

The work carried out not only enables you to drive across the footway without damaging the vehicle, but (more importantly) strengthens the footway to protect underground services from damage.

Check whether the first three items apply to you. If not, please go straight to item 4.

1. If your house is on an A, B or C road, eg A56, B6247 or C685, you will first need planning permission to construct a vehicle crossing to your property. If you are in any doubt, check with Lancashire County Council's Customer Service Centre on 0845 053 0011. Should planning permission be required, then you must apply to Planning and Building Control (based at Nelson Town Hall).
2. If you live in a Housing Pendle (external link)-owned property, you will need their permission (based at Shackleton Hall, Colne) before any work can commence either to the public footway or within the boundaries of the property.
3. If your house used to be owned by the Council, then approval must be obtained from Liberata Property Services (based at Number One Market Street, Nelson).
4. Put your request for a dropped kerb in writing and send it Lancashire County Council, Area East Highways Office, Willows Lane, Accrington, Lancashire BB5 0RT.
5. A member of staff will arrange for you to be visited by an highways inspector, who will measure up the work required and prepare a quotation.
6. This will be confirmed to you, in writing, as a fixed-price quotation. Attached will be a form of agreement, which you will need to complete and return with your payment.
7. Once payment has been confirmed (in the case of cheques, normally about 10 days) the works will be programmed. Dependent on the current workload, this is likely to be within five weeks.
8. Once the work is completed, Lancashire County Council will be responsible for the future maintenance of the crossing.
9. If you have any further queries, please contact Lancashire County Council.