TheMitchells Posted December 25, 2019 Share Posted December 25, 2019 Have been getting some quotes for a dropped kerb for parents bungalow. It tool over 6 months to get the permission but the council finally relented and sent us the contractors list that we can use. Tried about 5 but most too busy as its Christmas! however, had two quotes - £1500 + vat and £2,500 + vat!! here's the kerb - its 5 cm high and made of granite cobbles which they will re-use. Is that daylight robbery or not?? I guess £260 of that is the council licence they have to have. But even so, are they going to re-do the whole footpath around the bungalow? Anyone else had a dropped kerb to give me some perspective on costs? But like usual - we cannot use a local reasonable firm; we have to use someone off the Council list which seems to give them the ability to charge anything they like. Bah Humbug!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nod Posted December 25, 2019 Share Posted December 25, 2019 We had similar quotes £2500 and £3000 for moving a lamppost I spoke to a contractor working on the road nearby and he said if you can wait six months we have some work to do nearby When they came to move the curbs He told me the lamp post was going to be moved anyway He charged £150 for eight curbs and we just waited for them to move the lamp But they would have let us pay Your right the prices are ridiculous Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterW Posted December 25, 2019 Share Posted December 25, 2019 56 minutes ago, TheMitchells said: we cannot use a local reasonable firm; we have to use someone off the Council list which seems to give them the ability to charge anything they like. not correct ..!! You can use anyone that has a street works licence and is insured, and does it to standard street works specification. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nod Posted December 25, 2019 Share Posted December 25, 2019 1 hour ago, TheMitchells said: Have been getting some quotes for a dropped kerb for parents bungalow. It tool over 6 months to get the permission but the council finally relented and sent us the contractors list that we can use. Tried about 5 but most too busy as its Christmas! however, had two quotes - £1500 + vat and £2,500 + vat!! here's the kerb - its 5 cm high and made of granite cobbles which they will re-use. Is that daylight robbery or not?? I guess £260 of that is the council licence they have to have. But even so, are they going to re-do the whole footpath around the bungalow? Anyone else had a dropped kerb to give me some perspective on costs? But like usual - we cannot use a local reasonable firm; we have to use someone off the Council list which seems to give them the ability to charge anything they like. Bah Humbug!! At least Dick Turpin wore a mask Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferdinand Posted December 25, 2019 Share Posted December 25, 2019 imo that is already a drop kerb. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Temp Posted December 25, 2019 Share Posted December 25, 2019 (edited) https://www.myjobquote.co.uk/costs/dropping-a-kerb Says average cost is £600. And here £700... https://www.tameside.gov.uk/kerbdropping#cost Edited December 25, 2019 by Temp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roundtuit Posted December 25, 2019 Share Posted December 25, 2019 1 hour ago, Ferdinand said: imo that is already a drop kerb. Ours is similar. I can't really see any benefit it dropping it 30mm or so. Is it just about 'regularising' the access? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newhome Posted December 25, 2019 Share Posted December 25, 2019 Given that you are already using the drive and the curb is already very low why bother? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferdinand Posted December 25, 2019 Share Posted December 25, 2019 I think we have been here before, and I think the Council said "do it". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe90 Posted December 25, 2019 Share Posted December 25, 2019 So what happens if you don’t “do it” and continue to use your drive (as you are anyway!), just tell them you have not got round to it yet,!,!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onoff Posted December 25, 2019 Share Posted December 25, 2019 (edited) 13 minutes ago, joe90 said: So what happens if you don’t “do it” and continue to use your drive (as you are anyway!), just tell them you have not got round to it yet,!,!! They fine you for driving on the pavement or come and erect bollards whilst your car is parked so you can't get off. https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/1005838/parking-driveway-dropped-kerb-pavement-fine-bill/amp Edited December 25, 2019 by Onoff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick Posted December 25, 2019 Share Posted December 25, 2019 46 minutes ago, Onoff said: They fine you for driving on the pavement or come and erect bollards whilst your car is parked so you can't get off. https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/1005838/parking-driveway-dropped-kerb-pavement-fine-bill/amp I only ever seen the theory of it. Never any reports about it actually being enforced. It probably like so many things really depends on the council, but in my area (Bristol city,) the council doesn't even enforce against people parking on green spaces illegally after complaints. Whole neighbourhood here tries to stop this practise, council doesnt act. Too busy, no times,... I doubt that actually anything would happen if you use the drive without a dropped kerb, but obviously it s the risk of the person doing it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferdinand Posted December 25, 2019 Share Posted December 25, 2019 (edited) Does 20 years unopposed not establish a ROW? Edited December 25, 2019 by Ferdinand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Temp Posted December 26, 2019 Share Posted December 26, 2019 (edited) The verge and pavement are usually part of the highway so you have a ROW over them. Think the issue must be traffic regulations rather than ROW. Edit: link @Onoff posted refers to highway act Edited December 26, 2019 by Temp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roundtuit Posted December 26, 2019 Share Posted December 26, 2019 OK, after reading the article, it looks like there are two issues. Firstly, the requirement to have permission for a 'dropped kerb' is necessary to stop people creating addditional and potentially dangerous vehicular access points onto the highway, but if you've got permission, then that's already in the bag. The second issue is making sure that the access over the pavement is of the right spec to stand vehicular traffic without sinking (I assume pavements are generally built to a significantly lower spec than roads). It would make the quotes look a little more reasonable if that section of the pavement needs digging out to a greater depth and backfilling with stone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMitchells Posted December 27, 2019 Author Share Posted December 27, 2019 On 25/12/2019 at 21:29, Onoff said: They fine you for driving on the pavement or come and erect bollards whilst your car is parked so you can't get off. https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/1005838/parking-driveway-dropped-kerb-pavement-fine-bill/amp Dad has already ahd a letter saying that they have seen his car on our temporary drive and he has crossed the footpath which is illegal. while they dont mention prosecution; that is implied and as am 80 year old, he does not want to do anything illegal and would be horrified to think he'd be sent to court. 22 hours ago, Roundtuit said: OK, after reading the article, it looks like there are two issues. Firstly, the requirement to have permission for a 'dropped kerb' is necessary to stop people creating addditional and potentially dangerous vehicular access points onto the highway, but if you've got permission, then that's already in the bag. The second issue is making sure that the access over the pavement is of the right spec to stand vehicular traffic without sinking (I assume pavements are generally built to a significantly lower spec than roads). It would make the quotes look a little more reasonable if that section of the pavement needs digging out to a greater depth and backfilling with stone. yes, thats correct. The council say it is the cost of making the pavement to the right specification. and I guess that does make the price more reasonable. howwever, there are loads of places around where people cross the pavement and even park on the kerb and I doubt they get any letters. On 25/12/2019 at 15:31, PeterW said: not correct ..!! You can use anyone that has a street works licence and is insured, and does it to standard street works specification. I shall look into that as we have been told that we can only use those contractors on the list. we did get someone out to give a quote for the driveway and he was not happy as he had tried to get on the council list and couldnt. so he he could not give us a price for the dropped kerb. I still think the prices are way too high for the work. hopefully we'll get more reasonable ones now we are after Christmas and some of the other firms willcome and give us quotes. Fingers crossed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProDave Posted December 27, 2019 Share Posted December 27, 2019 On 25/12/2019 at 22:19, Patrick said: I only ever seen the theory of it. Never any reports about it actually being enforced. It probably like so many things really depends on the council, but in my area (Bristol city,) the council doesn't even enforce against people parking on green spaces illegally after complaints. Whole neighbourhood here tries to stop this practise, council doesnt act. Too busy, no times,... I doubt that actually anything would happen if you use the drive without a dropped kerb, but obviously it s the risk of the person doing it. I remember a case in Oxford years ago where someone built a garage without planning permission. They did not enforce it's removal, but they did plant a cast iron bollard in the footpath that blocked any vehicle from ever getting to the garage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottishjohn Posted December 30, 2019 Share Posted December 30, 2019 I could make that a dropped kerb in about an hour with sthil saw- -just cut an angle on the kerb stones that are there -- would I bother -- i doubt it 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe90 Posted December 30, 2019 Share Posted December 30, 2019 40 minutes ago, scottishjohn said: I could make that a dropped kerb in about an hour with sthil saw- -just cut an angle on the kerb stones that are there -- would I bother -- i doubt it Like you I don’t see a problem in doing it but as above if the council noticed/bothered it’s all about the pavement being upgraded. My sister has a drive with no dropped kerb but low cobbles like the picture and they have been using it for the last 30+ years with no bother. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAB Posted January 5, 2020 Share Posted January 5, 2020 The average cost in Surrey is £1500. "An authorised vehicle crossover ("dropped kerb") allows you to access your property safely and easily when you are using a car or other domestic vehicle. Kerbs are dropped from their normal height and the pavement or verge is strengthened to take the weight of the vehicle crossing it to avoid damage to the pavement, pipes or cables buried beneath it. It is an offence to carry out 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. We take seriously our duty to maintain our highways and protect it from damage, if necessary by legal action." https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/permits-and-licences/vehicle-crossovers-or-dropped-kerbs There are several external factors that can affect your quote, including: The size and gradient of the proposed crossover Utility adjustment/diversion Street furniture adjustment How quickly the contractor can carry out the works If traffic lights are needed or not to carry out the works As part of our initial checks, we will contact all of the utility companies to see what equipment (pipes, cables etc.) 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mm289 Posted January 5, 2020 Share Posted January 5, 2020 Cost sounds about right. We had one put in last year, for extending our existing drop kerb by 5m we were getting quoted just over £2k although they did need to get traffic lights in as we are on a main road. Coment above about contractors is correct, the council/highways will give you a list of recommended but you can use anyone who has the correct licence and insurances. Cheers, MM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onoff Posted January 5, 2020 Share Posted January 5, 2020 A mate had it done. Said it was a doddle. Made contact with one of the council approved contractors. Any problem was "no problem, don't worry, I'll sort it". Turns out he was the BiL of someone at the council. ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonny Posted January 26, 2020 Share Posted January 26, 2020 I’ve been told £260 for each kerbstone that needs dropping, in my case that is 5. This assumes a 1m wide path. 10cm either way adds/detracts 10% from the quote. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markymark Posted March 11, 2021 Share Posted March 11, 2021 I've got the same issue, it's going to cost £2000+ through Surrey County Council just for 4 meters, I'd be okay if it were £800 but £2k is crazy. It's only about 50mm high so easy to drive up and down, but people keep parking across it and blocking us in. Found an approved contractor who will do it on the side for £400 cash which is much more appealing, does anyone think the council keeps a record of which kerbs have been dropped? I wonder if they would take legal action if they found out or just make me pay the full going rate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe90 Posted March 11, 2021 Share Posted March 11, 2021 6 minutes ago, markymark said: I've got the same issue, it's going to cost £2000+ through Surrey County Council just for 4 meters, I'd be okay if it were £800 but £2k is crazy. It's only about 50mm high so easy to drive up and down, but people keep parking across it and blocking us in. Found an approved contractor who will do it on the side for £400 cash which is much more appealing, does anyone think the council keeps a record of which kerbs have been dropped? I wonder if they would take legal action if they found out or just make me pay the full going rate. Nah! Just do it, councils are too busy to notice and if the contractor looks “pro” who is going to question it . ? 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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