Vehicle access crossing customer guide
Introduction
Residents who would like to drive across the footway to park on their property are required by national highway legislation to have a vehicle access crossing. This typically consists of a dropped kerb and ramp at the road’s edge plus some footway strengthening works if the vehicle will be driven on flagstones. In advance of any works, permission for the vehicle access crossing must be granted by North Tyneside Council’s Highways team.
What are the criteria for a vehicle access crossing?
An application for a vehicle access crossing will be assessed against road safety factors such as whether you would have adequate sightlines when exiting the driveway and the speed limit of the adjacent road.
Consideration will also be given to whether it would adversely affect existing amenities such as trees, grassed verges, lighting columns and on-street parking.
In addition, the hardstand that the vehicle will be parked on must be at least 2.4 metres wide and 5 metres long – this is to ensure the vehicle does not project beyond the property boundary.
A vehicle access crossing to a hardstanding that is installed at an angle will not be permitted due to reduced visibility when exiting the driveway.
Full frontage vehicle access crossings or in/ out drives are not permitted. Normally only one vehicle access crossing will be permitted per property
What size is a vehicle access crossing?
A single vehicle access crossing can range in width from 4.6 metres (3 centre kerbs plus 2 sloping transition kerbs either side) to 5.5 metres (4 centre kerbs plus 2 sloping transition kerbs either side).
A double-width vehicle access crossing has a maximum width of 7.3 metres (6 centre kerbs plus 2 sloping transition kerbs either side). This size will only be permitted if it has been assessed as not being detrimental to on-street parking capacity. If two adjoining properties share a hardstand and a double-width vehicle access crossing is sought, you and your neighbour must request permission.
How do I apply?
Please contact North Tyneside Council’s Highways team,
Tel: (0191) 643 4518 or email: highways@northtyneside.gov.uk
If the application is approved, you will be provided a cost for the works to be carried out by the Highways team.
Alternatively, you can use a private contractor who has suitable public liability insurance and accreditation to work on the adopted highway. The contractor must meet North Tyneside Council’s construction specification and dimensions.
There are occasions where additional works are required, such as to lower or relocate utility cables that are beneath the footway.
In these circumstances, the Highways team would liaise with the relevant company on your behalf and advise of any additional costs. You would be required to pay the company directly in advance of the vehicle access crossing’s installation.
Do I need planning permission?
In some circumstances, planning permission will be required in advance of works getting under way. It is your responsibility to check whether planning permission is required.
Planning permission for a vehicle access crossing will normally be needed in the following circumstances:
- The property is on a classified (A, B or C) road
- The access is to a listed building
- The access is in a conservation area, which is covered by an Article 4 direction requiring planning permission for hard surfacing within the property boundary
- The access is likely to affect a tree, which is protected by a Tree Preservation Order.
To contact the Planning team, Tel: (0191) 643 2310 or email: development. control@northtyneside.gov.uk
Why choose the Highways team to install your vehicle access crossing?
Although you have the option to employ a private contractor to install the vehicle access crossing, we recommend seeking a quotation from the council.
Having your vehicle access crossing installed by the council’s Highways team means:
- Work will be carried out by professionally qualified paviours to the required construction specification and dimensions.
- You can have confidence the vehicle access crossing will be maintained by the Highways team as part of the adopted highway.
- No hidden costs or charges.
- A timely response to any queries or concerns.