Access request

Access can be provided over a pavement, to enable entry to a vehicle hardstand or driveway, for a domestic vehicle, upon application to us. The application must be made for a domestic vehicle crossing, usually to domestic dwellings.

The work entails the strengthening of the pavement, both to protect the underground services, such as water pipes, gas pipes, cables etc and to prevent damage to the surface of the pavement, by unauthorised vehicular override, which could cause pedestrians to trip and sustain personal injury.

The works are carried out by fully trained council operatives, in accordance with current relevant regulations.

The applicant must be aware that they will have to pay for the cost of the work.

There is an option which enables residents requiring an access to appoint a private contractor to undertake the works, under council supervision. The contractor must be competent to undertake such works, and fulfil certain obligations and criteria:

• Possess current Public Liability Insurance cover, amounting to £2,000,000 cover
• Be qualified in highway safety signing, to Chapter 8 of the Department Of Transports Traffic Signs Manual

Should this be the preferred option, details on how to proceed, specification and instructions will be forwarded upon application. A fee will be charged for supervision, by a council inspector, together with a charge for administration.

Access can also be provided for use by commercial vehicles, to gain entry or exit to commercial properties. The work, normally undertaken by contractors, again involves the strengthening of the pavement, but to a much higher specification, due to the weight of the commercial vehicles using the crossing and the amount of use expected.

The procedure for the installation of a commercial crossing is more complex than that of a domestic type crossing, and will again incur fees. There is also a higher incidence of planning approval and other agreements being required, prior to application. Requests for installation , as above should be made to us.

Disabled access

We will, where appropriate, endeavour to aid mobility of disabled people, using electric scooters and wheelchairs, when trying to negotiate kerbs. Where difficulties occur, normally at road junctions, we will drop the kerbs, finance permitting, to enable ease of movement along the pavements.

This service is provided free of charge, as the dropped kerbs are for the use of all. We will also, upon request, provide dropped kerbs, specifically for the use of an individual disabled person, endeavouring to gain access to the pavement from the road outside their residence. Unfortunately a charge will be made for this provision, as the requirement is for use by one person only. Costs charged will depend on the size of the access.