Drivers who persistently ignore warnings and cross pavements or grass verges to reach their properties without an authorised dropped kerb could face having their access blocked. From November, bollards or barriers will be installed to protect council-owned public highway and pavements where property owners repeatedly ignore warnings.
Driving over a pavement or grass verge without an authorised vehicle crossover is illegal and can cause significant damage to the surface, as well as underground pipes and cables, leading to costly repairs. Properly constructed crossovers, known as dropped kerbs, strengthen the pavement to allow vehicles safe access to off-road parking.
Under the new process, property owners will first receive a warning letter detailing the breach, the required action, and the consequences of non-compliance. A final warning will be issued if the issue persists, followed by a 21-day compliance period before bollards or barriers are installed under the Highways Act 1980 and the Traffic Management Act 2004 to prevent further unauthorised crossovers and damage.
The council's aim is to encourage residents to resolve these issues proactively before physical measures become necessary. Only the council is permitted to construct dropped kerbs in Hillingdon, with residents covering all associated costs. These dropped kerbs offer safe, off-road parking and can potentially add value to a property.
“"Hillingdon has more than 735 miles of pavements, and as the local highway authority, we have a duty to keep them safe and well maintained. Driving across a pavement without an authorised dropped kerb is not only illegal but can result in unnecessary maintenance at a cost to taxpayers, so we will use the legal powers available to us to take tougher action to protect our highways against those few who repeatedly ignore the rules. I encourage residents to take action promptly if they receive a warning."
For more information about vehicle crossovers and dropped kerbs, residents can visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/dropped-kerbs.
