Big change in dropped kerb rule to encourage legal driveways in Coventry

[dutchman]

The head of highways said there had been numerous complaints about the current procedure



New rules are being introduced in Coventry to make it easier for residents to get a dropped kerb for driveways into their homes.

The required length of private frontage to meet the council’s policy for a dropped kerb will reduce from 4.5 metres to four metres.

It means people who require a dropped kerb for access onto their driveways or want to Tarmac their front garden to create a driveway will not need as much space as previously required.

The change is hoped to encourage more residents to apply for lawful crossings, stop people driving over raised pavements and causing damage, and eliminate issues of on-street parking.

Head of highways Neil Cowper said there were “numerous cases” of residents who had seen permission refused because the space at the front of the house narrowly missed requirements.

The changes are part of a revised Domestic Vehicle Pavement Crossing Policy which were discussed at a scrutiny board at the council on Thursday, ahead of cabinet approval on December 1.

Cabinet member for city services, Cllr Pat Hetherton, told the meeting: “From so many people’s perspective this will really help them because they have found it very difficult in the past.

“Neil [Cowper] and I have gone out to sites and looked where they have just been short and we couldn’t make exceptions.

“We have to do everything else we can to encourage people as most people want to be compliant.”

A council review found most small cars would fit within the revised four-metre requirements without overhanging onto pedestrian walkways.

However ‘strengthened enforcement’ will also be carried out to ensure vehicles are not left overhanging onto pedestrian walkways, with fines for those who do.

Mr Cowper said: “My personal view is that the majority of residents will behave perfectly safely and park their vehicles in a way that doesn’t overhang so I think the risks of that are lower.

“We have done some work on typical lengths of small cars and that seems to indicate that many cars would easily fit on at 4m.

“The main reason for bringing forward another change is to try to make sure we get more improvements on our pavements, make them safer and stop people driving over them.”

Under the new rules, driveways must be a minimum of 4m depth at its shortest point by 2.4m, and 5m depth should the access lead to a garage.

All dropped kerbs must receive approval from the council.

Vehicle overhanging can result in action such as a Penalty Charge Notice of up to £100 and prosecution for ‘wilful obstruction’ and a maximum £1,000 fine.

[rebbonk]

I doubt this will make much difference. Fining someone for driving over a pavement and onto a drive is almost unheard of.