Dropped kerbs in Scottish Borders Council: fee, who builds it and how to apply
Everything you need to apply for a dropped kerb (vehicle crossing) with Scottish Borders Council, from the council's own website. Last checked 4 October 2026.
Scottish Borders: Constructing a driveway
Who builds dropped kerbs in Scottish Borders?
For a house on a minor public road you need Vehicular Access Consent from Scottish Borders' Roads Planning Service. Any work in the footway or verge must be done by a contractor already approved by the council (its list covers firms across the UK). You may be able to do the work inside your own garden yourself.
Scotland has its own rules. Under section 56 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, no works can be carried out in a public road without the roads authority's written consent, so Scottish Borders gives permission as the roads authority (often called a road opening permit or dropped kerb permit). England's Highways Act and planning rules don't apply in Scotland: ask Scottish Borders's planning team whether your driveway or access needs planning permission.
How much does a dropped kerb cost in Scottish Borders?
Homeowner application fee: £371. Vehicular Access Consent application fee from 1 April 2026, processed before the application is considered.
Total council fees: £371 (construction not included).
Building it: Scottish Borders doesn't publish a typical construction price. Councils that do publish prices quote roughly £1,000 to £3,500 for a standard crossing.
Estimate your total for Scottish Borders with the calculator
Contractor requirements in Scottish Borders
- On Scottish Borders' list of approved contractors
- Has permission to carry out roadworks in a public road before starting
How to check street works cards and insurance before you hire: our guide to dropped kerb contractors.
How to apply in Scottish Borders
- Check whether you need planning permission instead (A, B or C class road, flats, conservation area, listed building, extensive engineering works, or a non-porous drive that doesn't drain within your ground).
- Apply online, or send form VA1 with a dimensioned drawing and the £371 fee.
- If approved, hire a contractor from the council's approved list for the footway or verge works.
Size and siting rules
- Driveway at least 5.5m long and 3m wide.
- Gradient no steeper than 1 in 12.
Good to know
- Driving over a footway without a properly formed access is an offence under section 63 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984.
- Unauthorised works risk a fine of up to £5,000.
Ready to apply in Scottish Borders?
Check your property qualifies and have everything ready, then apply on the council's own website.
Scottish Borders: Constructing a driveway Eligibility checker Printable checklist
Nearby councils
- Northumberland County Council: Not published, council or your contractor
- Cumberland Council: £354.30 total council fees, council's own list only
- Dumfries and Galloway Council: £170.25 total council fees, any qualified contractor
- East Lothian Council: Not published, any qualified contractor
- Midlothian Council: £137 total council fees, any qualified contractor