
Dropped Kerbs in Bristol
Installing a dropped kerb provides legal, safe, and convenient driveway access for your property. Acorn Surfacing delivers council-approved kerb lowering services across Bristol, Thornbury, Gloucester, and nearby areas. With years of expertise, our tarmac contractors ensure every installation is completed to the highest standards, protecting vehicles, pavements, and property value.
Council Compliant Dropped Kerb Installation for Thornbury, Gloucester and All Nearby South West Locations
A dropped kerb is a pavement modification that allows vehicles to cross from the road to a property, typically to access a driveway or parking area. This adjustment is essential for providing convenient and legal vehicle access to private properties and must be installed by council-approved contractors following the receipt of relevant permissions.
Acorn Surfacing offers a kerb lowering service to property owners in Bristol, Thornbury, Gloucester, and the surrounding areas. This driveway access alteration can be done as a standalone project or as part of our installation of tarmac and resin-bound driveways and car park surfacing services in your area.
Our established company has vast experience in this field and works closely with local authorities to ensure the precise and legal installation of dropped kerbs.
Please refer to our reviews to confirm the quality of our professional services.


Vehicle Crossing Kerbs Explained
As an essential part of property access and urban development, local councils often require dropped kerbs for new driveways to ensure safe and organised street use. Without one, driving over the pavement is illegal and can result in fines and damage to public infrastructure. Not only that, but you could cause significant damage to your vehicle.
Properly installed vehicle crossing kerbs help maintain the integrity of the pavement and road, reducing long-term maintenance costs for local authorities. They are also crucial for accessibility, allowing people with mobility impairments to navigate kerbs and pavements more easily.
Kerb Lowering – The Benefits
- Legal and Safe Access: Dropped kerbs provide a legal driveway access point for vehicles, preventing damage to the pavement and potential fines for illegal crossings
- Reduced Risk of Damage: They reduce the risk of damaging tyres and vehicle suspensions when crossing standard kerbs
- Pedestrian Safety: They also ensure pedestrian routes remain intact and safe, as vehicles have a designated crossing point
- Aesthetic Improvement: Kerb lowering helps improve the appearance of properties’ frontages by making them cleaner and more organised
- Property Value: Our dropped kerb installations will also increase market value by adding legal and practical access points


Quick and Easy Installations
When you apply for permission to install adequate driveway access at your property, the council will usually conduct a site inspection to assess feasibility and local impact. Once the necessary permissions have been received, our contractors at Acorn Surfacing can get to work.
This involves defining the area to be modified (usually between two and four metres) and implementing relevant safety measures around the site, i.e. barriers and signage.
We will remove the existing pavement and excavate the base to the required depth, ensuring a solid foundation for the new kerb. This process is followed by installing the new, sloped kerbstones that gradually lower from the pavement to the road level. The surrounding pavement will be smoothed to ensure a safe vehicle crossing.
Tarmac or concrete will be laid to secure the new dropped kerb and restore the pavement surface. Your local council may conduct a final inspection to ensure the work meets all regulatory requirements before certifying the work.

Dropped Kerb Installation – FAQ
Do I need planning permission for a dropped kerb?
Yes. Local councils require homeowners to apply for permission before installing a dropped kerb. Acorn Surfacing works closely with authorities to ensure applications and installations meet all legal requirements.
How long does it take to install a dropped kerb?
Most installations take between two and five days, depending on site conditions, council approvals, and the scale of the project.
Can a dropped kerb increase property value?
Absolutely. A professionally installed dropped kerb adds legal and practical driveway access, which can increase the overall value and kerb appeal of your property.
Why choose council-approved tarmac contractors?
Only approved tarmac contractors can carry out compliant dropped kerb installations. Choosing professionals like Acorn Surfacing guarantees high standards, long-lasting results, and protection from fines or legal issues.
Contact Us
At Acorn Surfacing, we take pride in being trusted tarmac contractors delivering high-quality dropped kerbs in Bristol, Gloucester, Thornbury, and the surrounding areas.
If you need a new vehicle crossing for a residential driveway or require council-compliant kerb lowering as part of a commercial project, our team has the knowledge and approvals to complete the work efficiently, so call today on 07768 858246.