Dropped kerbs in West Berkshire Council: fee, who builds it and how to apply
Everything you need to apply for a dropped kerb (vehicle crossing) with West Berkshire Council, from the council's own website. Last checked 4 October 2026.
West Berkshire: Dropped kerbs (vehicle access)
Who builds dropped kerbs in West Berkshire?
In West Berkshire you need the council's consent under section 184 of the Highways Act 1980 before building a vehicle access. You appoint a private contractor, who must hold £5m public liability insurance, use operatives and supervisors accredited under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, and obtain a Section 171 licence to excavate the highway.
How much does a dropped kerb cost in West Berkshire?
Homeowner application fee: £202. Covers the site inspection and issue of the licence; payment is requested online once your application is approved. Fee correct as of 1 April 2026.
Section 171 licence to excavate the highway (your contractor applies): £349
Total council fees: £551 (construction not included).
Building it: West Berkshire 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 West Berkshire with the calculator
Contractor requirements in West Berkshire
- Public liability insurance of £5m (application pack); the Section 171 licence application asks for a certificate of at least £10 million
- Operatives and supervisors accredited under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991
- Obtains a Section 171 licence to excavate the highway (£349)
- Checks for public utility apparatus that may need moving or protecting
How to check street works cards and insurance before you hire: our guide to dropped kerb contractors.
How to apply in West Berkshire
- On a classified (A, B or C) road, get planning consent first; on an unclassified road you don't need it.
- Email the application form with a detailed sketch of the proposed access to West Berkshire's highways asset management team.
- An officer visits for a technical assessment; if approved, you're asked to pay £202 online.
- Your contractor gets a Section 171 licence (£349); give the council 10 days' notice before work starts on the highway.
- When the work is satisfactory, West Berkshire issues a Letter of Consent.
How long it takes
- Allow up to 6 weeks for an application to be processed.
- 10 days' notice before work starts on the public highway.
Size and siting rules
- Parking at least 2.4m wide and 4.8m deep (5.5m in front of a garage).
- Sight lines measured 2.4 metres back from the carriageway edge: 43m each way at 30mph, 25m at 20mph.
Good to know
- Work done under a Road Opening Licence is covered by the contractor for a maintenance period of 2 years.
- If the access fails the council's standards and isn't put right within 28 days, the council can do the repairs and recover its costs.
Ready to apply in West Berkshire?
Check your property qualifies and have everything ready, then apply on the council's own website.
West Berkshire: Dropped kerbs (vehicle access) Eligibility checker Printable checklist
Nearby councils
- Reading Borough Council: £156 total council fees, council or your contractor
- Wokingham Borough Council: £231.30 total council fees, council builds
- Wiltshire Council: £392.50 total council fees, any qualified contractor
- Hampshire County Council: £211.90 total council fees, any qualified contractor
- Oxfordshire County Council: £250 total council fees, any qualified contractor