A dropped kerb offers practical access from the road to your driveway, enabling off-street parking and improving property usability. But once it’s installed, who takes care of it? Understanding who is responsible for maintaining a dropped kerb in Durham can save homeowners from unexpected repair costs or potential legal issues. This article explains everything you need to know.
What Is a Dropped Kerb?
A dropped kerb is a lowered section of the pavement that allows vehicles to cross over from the road onto private property, typically a driveway. It’s not just a convenience—it’s a legal requirement if you regularly drive across a public footpath to access your driveway. Without it, you may be damaging the pavement and committing an offence.
Who Installs a Dropped Kerb?
Dropped kerbs must be installed by contractors approved by your local council. This ensures the work meets health, safety, and construction standards, especially where public pathways, drainage, and utilities are concerned. Councils usually carry out a site inspection and grant permission before any work begins.
At Driveways Durham, we offer compliant, council-approved dropped kerb installations that meet all local authority standards and long-term durability requirements.
So, Who’s Responsible for Maintaining It?
In most cases, the local council is responsible for maintaining dropped kerbs after installation—but only under specific conditions.
✅ When the Council Is Responsible:
- The dropped kerb was installed by the council or their approved contractors.
- It meets legal and technical requirements set out by your local authority.
- The damage is due to wear and tear, not misuse or negligence.
Once the kerb becomes part of the adopted public highway, it’s treated like any other part of the road or footpath for maintenance purposes.
❌ When the Homeowner Is Responsible:
- The dropped kerb was installed without permission (i.e., an unauthorised or DIY job).
- It was installed by unapproved contractors or fails inspection.
- Damage was caused by heavy vehicles, negligence, or misuse by the homeowner or visitors.
- The kerb lies within unadopted land or private access, which the council does not maintain.
In these situations, the homeowner may be liable for all repair costs and could be asked to remove or reinstate the pavement if standards aren’t met.
What Happens If You Don’t Maintain It?
If the kerb becomes hazardous and is your responsibility, the council may issue a notice requiring you to carry out repairs. Failing to do so could lead to:
- Legal action
- Fines
- Council-led repairs, billed to you
So, it’s best to ensure the dropped kerb is authorised and installed correctly from the beginning.
What Should You Do if the Kerb Is Damaged?
- Inspect the area: Look for cracks, loose kerbstones, or sunken sections.
- Check with your local council: They’ll confirm whether the kerb is adopted and who maintains it.
- Report the damage: If it’s the council’s responsibility, they’ll schedule repairs.
- Arrange repairs if it’s yours: Use council-approved contractors to fix the issue.
Tips for Homeowners
- Always apply for permission before installing a dropped kerb.
- Use contractors approved by your local authority.
- Avoid parking heavy vehicles on the kerb or pavement.
- Keep records of permits and installation paperwork.
Final Thoughts
Responsibility for maintaining a dropped kerb largely depends on who installed it and whether it complies with local authority standards. For peace of mind and long-term value, always go through the proper channels.
At Driveways Durham, we specialise in legal, high-quality dropped kerb installations across County Durham. Our experienced team ensures your kerb meets all regulatory requirements while enhancing your property’s accessibility and value.
