Builders
Carpenters
Electricians
Flooring Specialists
Gardeners
Handymen
Heating Engineers
Painters & Decorators
Plasterers & Renderers
Plumbers
Roofers
Tilers
myDropped Kerb Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost for a dropped kerb is typically £2,000.
- Most drop kerbs take 1 to 2 days to complete.
- NEW! Use our drop kerb cost calculator for a quick estimate.
- We'll provide dropped kerb cost breakdowns by the size of the job and number of drop kerbs.
- Find out how long the job takes, and what's typically involved.
- How to find and hire a drop kerb contractor using MyJobQuote.
Get free estimates
Are you a trade? Get more work today!
Asking yourself, "How much is a dropped kerb?" You're not the only one.
Take a look at our guide to discover what affects the drop kerb cost and exactly how the process works. You'll also discover what councils look for, plus what to expect from contractors.
Thinking of getting it done?
Get free, no obligation quotes from drop kerb contractors near youwho guide you through the whole process. Just submit a few details, and we'll handle the rest.
Want to find out more before you start comparing drop kerb prices?
For all the details on lowering a kerb, carry on reading...
£2,000
Table of Contents
How Much for a Dropped Kerb?
So, how much does a dropped kerb cost on average?
If you're looking to drop a kerb for domestic vehicle access, prices will vary. Each local council will charge different amounts for dropping a kerb, but the average cost for the complete job is usually around £2,000.
The ability to drop a kerb depends on your location and the local council policy, and each council has a different price.
So, can I get a dropped kerb without permission?
No - the pavement usually belongs to the local council, so you'll have to apply to get the kerb dropped.
How do I get my local dropped kerb cost?
To get a dropped kerb quote, visit your local council’s website. You’ll pay a non-refundable council fee that varies widely by area, which is typically a couple of hundred pounds.
Dropped Kerb Prices
The average kerb dropping job usually involves removing between 3 and 7 kerbstones.
The cost of this will vary depending on several factors, including:
- The size of the pavement
- The number of kerbs that need to be dropped
- Your location
Average drop kerb prices can be found in the following table.
Note: Councils usually charge fixed packages or £/m² with reinstatement, not “per kerb”. Use this table as a rough guide only—your council schedule takes precedence.
| Number of Kerbs | Pavement Under 2M | Pavement 2M – 2.5M | Pavement 2.5M – 3M | Pavement 3M – 3.5M |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Kerbs | £450–£650 | £550–£800 | £650–£900 | £750–£1,050 |
| 3 Kerbs | £600–£850 | £750–£1,050 | £850–£1,200 | £950–£1,350 |
| 4 Kerbs | £800–£1,150 | £950–£1,350 | £1,050–£1,500 | £1,200–£1,750 |
| 5 Kerbs | £1,000–£1,450 | £1,150–£1,650 | £1,300–£1,900 | £1,500–£2,200 |
| 6 Kerbs | £1,200–£1,750 | £1,350–£1,950 | £1,500–£2,200 | £1,800–£2,600 |
| 7 Kerbs | £1,350–£2,000 | £1,550–£2,250 | £1,700–£2,500 | £2,000–£3,000 |
Want a custom price?
Post your job
Dropped Kerb Cost Calculator
Labour Costs and Timescales
The time it takes to drop a kerb can depend on several factors, including:
- The length and width of the kerb to be dropped
- The complexity of the job
- How many people are working on the job
On-site construction is typically 1 to 2 days. Scheduling after approval varies by council (often a 2- to 3-week window once the licence is issued).
Any council inspection/assessment fee is set locally. These costs can range from Oldham at ~£140, Liverpool at £50, to Suffolk at £430.
Your local council may appoint an approved contractor to carry out the work for you, or some councils may let you choose your own contractor, but you will usually need to get them approved by the council before the work starts.
- If Council Supplied - Where the council supplies the contractor, you’ll pay the council’s fixed schedule.
- If Privately Appointed - In areas that let you appoint your own, costs are quoted per job under a street-works permit rather than a simple day rate. Some kerbs may take longer to drop, so they will wind up costing more in labour than others.
Can driveway installers usually sort out getting a kerb dropped or is that something the homeowner needs to do?
"Normally, you need permission from the local council and only builders with a street works ticket are legally allowed to drop a kerb. This is to do with working in the highway."
Additional Dropped Kerb Costs
Below is a price list of all of the extra things that you may wish to consider on a kerb dropping job, especially if you’re upgrading your driveway at the same time.
| Job Description | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| New Driveway Cost | £1,800 – £2,500 |
| Wall Demolition Cost | £300 – £1,000 |
| Driveway Gate Cost | £100 – £500 |
| New Fence Cost | £500 – £1,500 |
| CCTV Installation Cost | £225 – £850 |
| Outdoor Lighting Cost | £10 – £100 |
| Skip Hire Cost | £100 – £200 |
Want a custom price?
Post your job
I would like to create a 3 metre wide driveway in my front garden with concrete. Will I need planning permission?
"Yes, you will need planning permission and suitable drainage."
What Impacts the Drop Kerb Price?
Here's what affects dropped kerb prices:
- Footpath Width and Number of Kerbs - The more kerbs, the higher the overall cost. Dropping 2 kerbs on a pavement under 2m can cost as little as £450, whereas a job dropping 7 kerbs on a 3 to 3.5m pavement can cost up to £3,000.
- Site Obstructions - If you have any obstructions that may get in the way of dropping the kerb, you may need additional work. This can include tree removal costs or pathway clearing fees.
- Location - Each council charges a different amount for the application fee, which can range from £50 to £350. Those living in the London area should expect to pay around £50 to £100 more for the job of dropping a kerb than those living in the North of the UK.
- Council Fees and Planning Permission - Creating or widening a front hardstanding over 5m²? Then it must be porous/permeable or drain to a permeable area, you may need planning permission. Some councils will refund half the fee if the job is declined, and others may apply the application fee toward the job cost.
- Contractor Type - Some councils will have their own pool of approved labourers for dropping kerbs, whereas other areas may let you choose your own contractor. Each option carries different pricing.
Ask a Trade
Got a question that only a tradesperson can answer? We have thousands of trades ready to answer any question you may have.
Ask your question
What's Involved in Dropping a Kerb?
Dropping a kerb isn't a straightforward DIY job.
There are council requirements and qualifications to consider, which is why most homeowners hire an approved contractor to handle the work.
With MyJobQuote, you can request several quotes from drop kerb contractors near you. It's fast, free, and there's no obligation to go ahead.
Let's take a look at the process of getting a kerb dropped:
Before the Job Starts
- Site Assessment — The first step involves assessing the area and checking the ground for any cables or pipes that may get in the way of the job.
- Protecting Utilities — If cables or pipes are present, they may need to be protected before the job can start to avoid any damage that may occur during the process of dropping the kerb or when vehicles are parking on it.
During the Job
- Excavating the Area — The drop kerb contractors will need to measure how far they need to dig into the pavement to complete the job without damaging the existing foundations.
- Lowering the Kerbstones — The kerbstones will then be lowered to create a ramp-style driveway.
After the Job
- Strengthening the Kerb — This is then strengthened to ensure that the new kerbstones are strong enough to support the weight of any vehicles that may be moving or parking on them.
- Re-tarmacking — Once the newly dropped kerbstones have been installed, the area can then be re-tarmacked to complete the job.
What's the optimum width of a driveway entrance so you can pull in and out easily?
"For easy access with your vehicle, I would recommend an 8 to 10 foot (2.4m to 3m) opening to make it easier to access the driveway."
Can I Drop a Kerb Myself?
The short answer: No.
Councils will strongly advise against completing a kerb dropping job yourself, as the work is carried out on public highways.
However, there are some exceptions if you are fully qualified and meet the following requirements, including:
- A Road Opening Notice
- Full NRSWA accreditation
- Compliance with Chapter 8 highway safety guidelines
- Access to a utility drawings
- Public liability insurance (covering minimum £10 million)
- Planning consent to complete the job
Even with all the requirements met, you'll still need to get approval from your local council before you start any work.
Is planning permission or building regulations approval needed to re-pave an existing driveway?
"No planning permission is needed unless you have to do a drop kerb on the main footpath."
Checklist: Hiring a Specialist to Drop a Kerb
Quite often, your local council will provide a contractor for you to complete the job of dropping a kerb. However, some local councils will allow you to choose a contractor yourself.
Below is a list of things to look out for when hiring a contractor to complete the job for you:
- Do they hold a valid SWQR (Street Works) qualification? Contractors must hold this qualification to carry out work on public highways legally. Most councils maintain a list of approved contractors who meet this standard.
- Do they have insurance? Public liability insurance is something you want a contractor to have in case something goes wrong. For highway work, look for cover of at least £10 million.
- How much experience do they have with dropping kerbs? Ask how many similar jobs they've completed. Ideally, you're looking for someone with a few years of experience working on council-approved projects.
- Have you been given an itemised quote? Ask for a breakdown of the costs for materials, labour, and any council fees, so there are no surprises.
- Have you compared multiple quotes? It's worth getting at least three quotes so you can be confident you're getting a fair price for the job.
- Do they have positive reviews? Check their MyJobQuote profile to read feedback from other homeowners.
FAQs
Do I Need a Dropped Kerb?
If you intend to drive a vehicle over the pavement into your driveway, then you will need to get a dropped kerb. If you don’t have a drop kerb, you shouldn’t drive over the pavement, as you may be subject to enforcement action.
Can I Widen an Existing Dropped Kerb?
Yes - but you'll need council approval before you do so. The application process is the same as if you were requesting a brand-new dropped kerb, as you're still altering the public highway.
What Type of Vehicles Can Be Used on the New Dropped Kerb?
Dropped kerbs can be used by private light goods vehicles. Heavy goods vehicles should not be used on them as these can damage the area, which may result in you being charged for repairs.
Can I Get a Blue Badge Discount on a Dropped Kerb?
If someone in your household has a blue badge, you might get a discount on the cost of your dropped kerb, but this doesn't necessarily mean you'll get a free dropped kerb. Some councils also give back the application fee if your request is refused, but check with your local council to see what options are available in your area.
What's the Cost of Reinstalling a Kerb?
A typical contractor will usually charge around £180 to £220 per day, although this can differ depending on the complexity of the job and your location. You will need to contact your local council, which will usually arrange a contractor to complete the job.
Why Was My Dropped Kerb Application Refused?
Drop kerb rejections can be because of obstructions (such as lampposts, drains/service hatches or protected trees) being in the way, poor visibility, not enough driveway space, or steep gradients. If your dropped kerb application has been refused, speak to your local council for their refusal notice.
Will a Dropped Kerb Add to My Home’s Value?
In most cases, yes - a dropped kerb will increase your property's value. This is especially desirable if the house is in a location where off-road parking is at a premium.
If My Dropped Kerb Gets Damaged, Who Pays for the Repairs?
Dropped kerbs technically belong to the council as they form part of the public highway, so general wear and tear should be their responsibility. However, if you have knowingly caused the damage with your vehicle, you may be required to pay.
If I’ve Just Had a Dropped Kerb Installed, Can I Get a New Driveway?
There's no issue scheduling a new driveway project after your dropped kerb has been installed. Your contractor will need to keep drainage requirements in mind to ensure the material is permeable, make sure the gradient is appropriate for the dropped kerb, and match the overall width.
Sources
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/dropped-kerbs/what-is-a-dropped-kerb
https://www.gov.uk/apply-dropped-kerb
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/street-works-qualifications-in-england/street-works-qualifications-in-england-guidance-for-operatives-and-supervisors
https://www.tameside.gov.uk/kerbdropping
https://www.buyaplan.co.uk/blog/89-10-tips-for-getting-planning-permission-for-a-dropped-kerb
