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They are lower in height than the regular kerbs, making it easier for people with disabilities, such as those using wheelchairs, walkers, or cyclists, to move on and off the road. Dropped kerbs provide a more accessible pathway and help improve mobility for individuals with physical limitations.
They are typically built roads where we have areas of high traffic with people crossing, such as pedestrian crossing.
If you are a cyclist or have ever had to push a pram or wheelchair over a high kerb, you will understand the difficulties it can bring.
We also use dropped kerbs on driveways as a vehicle access point, allowing you to park your car easily without the need to bump over a raised kerb. Bumping over high kerbs can damage your car and increase wear on tyres and suspension.
If you feel a dropped kerbside could benefit a certain area of the road, contact Quinn today. We can help you apply for planning permission and construct the new section of dropped pavement.
Contact A Professional Dropped Kerb Company
If you need a dropped kerb installed at your property or on a main road near your property, you can contact us to discuss your options.
We serve the whole of the county and, as we are based in the North West, are within easy reach if you live in the Liverpool, Manchester or Preston areas.
We are an approved street works contractor highly experienced in dropping kerbs. If you need to use your own contractor for the work or the council has asked you to work with an approved contractor, we can have your newly dropped kerbstones installed with minimum fuss.
How are Dropped Roads Constructed?
Dropped roads, or lowered kerbs, are constructed through a specific process that involves the following steps:
Planning and Design: The first step is to plan and design the dropped road based on the specific requirements and regulations. This includes determining the appropriate location, slope, width, and length of the dropped kerb.
Some dropped kerbs are placed at the foot of a steep slope to improve vehicle access aid accessibility. Our planning will take into consideration access both to and from the dropped kerb.
Excavation: The area where the dropped kerb will be constructed is excavated. This involves removing the existing pavement and sometimes digging down to a certain depth to create a space for the new kerb structure.
We are street works approved and ensure any excavation does not impact existing infrastructure, such as any buried pipes and electricity cables.
Concrete Pouring: Fresh concrete is poured into the formwork to create the new kerb. Concrete is usually a mixture of cement, sand, aggregate, and water. It is carefully poured and levelled to ensure a smooth and even surface.
Curing and Fishing: After the concrete is poured, it needs time to cure and harden. This usually takes several days. During this time, the kerb may be covered with a protective layer or left exposed depending on the project requirements. Once the concrete has fully cured, any necessary finishing touches, such as smoothing the surface or adding texture, may be done.
Accessibility Features: In some cases, additional accessibility features may be incorporated into the dropped kerb, such as tactile paving or detectable warning surfaces for visually impaired individuals.
It’s important to note that the exact construction process may vary depending on your local regulations, project specifications, and the specific requirements of the site.
Specialist Dropped Kerb Contractors
If you want to drop a kerb either in your road or on your private driveway, we are road and highway specialists, experienced in the design and build of dropped kerbsides.
You may have noticed an area of your street that could benefit from an accessible kerbside, or you may have a driveway and want easy access for your vehicle.
We install new kerbsides for private individuals, property developers and councils here in the UK. Based in the North West of England, we have a lot of clients from the Liverpool, Manchester and Preston regions, although we do serve the whole of the United Kingdom.
Will I need Tactile Paving with a Dropped Kerb?
Tactile paving or tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs) are a series of raised bumps or truncated domes that are specifically designed to provide tactile cues and guidance to individuals with visual impairments.
It is always a good practice to include tactile with a dropped kerb in public areas to alert visually impaired people of an accessible place to cross. Drop kerb contractors also provide tactile pavement installation if it is also an appropriate addition to the area.
Tactile paving typically consists of rows of evenly spaced and patterned bumps that can be detected through touch or by using a cane. These bumps are strategically placed along pedestrian pathways, crossings, or near hazard areas to assist people with visual disabilities in navigating their surroundings more safely.
The specific patterns and colours of tactile paving can convey different meanings to aid navigation. For example, a series of parallel bars can indicate a pedestrian pathway, while a pattern of dots can indicate a hazard or an approaching staircase. These tactile indicators provide valuable information to individuals with visual impairments, allowing them to detect changes in direction, identify potential obstacles, and locate key landmarks.
Tactile paving is an important feature in creating accessible environments and promoting inclusivity for people with visual disabilities. Its presence helps improve mobility and safety, enabling individuals with visual impairments to navigate public spaces more confidently and independently.
FAQs
Do I Need Planning Permission in the UK for a Dropped Kerb? 
Yes, in the UK, you generally require planning permission or a permit to construct a dropped kerb. The process and requirements may vary depending on the local authority or local council that governs the area where the dropped kerb is proposed.
When you apply for a dropped kerb, some councils may cover the cost and take care of the installation. Other councils or authorities may require you to cover the dropped kerb cost and install via approved contractors such as Quinn.
You need planning permission if your dropped kerb meets the following criteria in :
- Your driveway is on a main road or in a conversation area
- You are creating a new driveway by resurfacing a garden
Typically, you would need to submit a dropped kerb application form to the local authority or council responsible for highways or transportation.
It is essential to contact your local authority or council to inquire about their specific requirements and procedures for obtaining planning permission or a permit for a dropped kerb in your area. They will provide you with the necessary information and guidance to proceed with your application.
The application may require details such as the location of the proposed dropped kerb, dimensions, and any supporting documents or drawings. There may also be associated fees.
The local council will assess the application based on various factors, including the impact on pedestrian and vehicular safety, the condition of existing kerbs, the need for access, and the overall design and appearance.
What Scenarios Should I Use a Dropped Kerb? 
Dropped kerbs are typically used in specific scenarios to provide accessible transitions between sidewalks or pavements and road surfaces. Here are some common scenarios where dropped kerbs are used:
- Pedestrian crossings: Dropped kerbs are commonly installed at pedestrian crossings to facilitate a smooth transition to and from the road. This allows for safer and more convenient street crossings, especially at a road junction on a public highway.
- Driveways and vehicle access points: Dropped kerbs are often installed at driveways or other vehicle access points to provide a smooth entry and exit for vehicles. This allows cars, bicycles, or other vehicles to transition between the road and private property without causing damage to the kerb or hindering accessibility for pedestrians.
- Bus stops and public transportation areas: Dropped kerbs are used at bus stops or other public transportation areas to ensure easy boarding and alighting for passengers, including those using mobility aids such as wheelchairs and prams.
- Accessibility for individuals with disabilities: A drop kerb is essential for improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs, walkers, or mobility scooters. They allow for barrier-free movement, enabling people with disabilities to access public spaces, facilities, and services more independently.
- Pedestrian pathways near kerbside parking: Dropped kerbs are often found alongside parking areas to provide accessible paths for pedestrians, particularly those with mobility limitations. This allows individuals to navigate to the pavements without encountering obstacles or having to climb curbs.
How Long Does it Take? 
Planning permission can usually be attained fairly quickly for a dropped kerbside. Depending on the scope of the task, construction time can vary from 1 day for a small dropped kerb to several days for larger projects.
Do I Always Need Planning Permission? 
Not in all cases, but it is just best to double-check with the council before construction work can go ahead, adding a new dropped kerbside to a section of pavement.
