Dropped kerbs in West Lothian Council: fee, who builds it and how to apply
Everything you need to apply for a dropped kerb (vehicle crossing) with West Lothian Council, from the council's own website. Last checked 4 October 2026.
West Lothian: Dropped kerb request
Who builds dropped kerbs in West Lothian?
To lower a kerb in West Lothian you must employ an approved contractor, who applies for a permit from Roads and Transportation. The council won't do the works for you, except occasionally when it's doing major footway maintenance outside your home.
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 West Lothian 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 West Lothian's planning team whether your driveway or access needs planning permission.
How much does a dropped kerb cost in West Lothian?
Homeowner application fee: £150. Assessment of a dropped crossing application (two site visits, before and after installation), from 1 April 2025.
Permit for a drop crossing: £42.71
Total council fees: £192.71 (construction not included).
Building it: West Lothian 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 Lothian with the calculator
Contractor requirements in West Lothian
- Approved contractor
- Applies for the permit from Roads and Transportation
How to check street works cards and insurance before you hire: our guide to dropped kerb contractors.
How to apply in West Lothian
- Tenants need the owner's or housing provider's permission; planning permission is needed on an A or B class road, for four-in-a-block homes or if a retaining structure is needed.
- Make a Dropped Kerb Request online; a roads inspector contacts you.
- Pay the £150 assessment; the inspector checks the site (initial evaluation within 5 working days) and writes with the outcome.
- If approved, the permit (£42.71) is issued to your approved contractor; the council inspects the finished crossing.
How long it takes
- Initial evaluation within 5 working days of the application (aim).
Size and siting rules
- Maximum width 7.2m (6 kerbs and two transitions).
- Drive at least 5m from the footway to the building.
Ready to apply in West Lothian?
Check your property qualifies and have everything ready, then apply on the council's own website.
West Lothian: Dropped kerb request Eligibility checker Printable checklist
Nearby councils
- Falkirk Council: £195.20 total council fees, any qualified contractor
- Scottish Borders Council: £371 total council fees, council's own list only
- South Lanarkshire Council: No charge for permission, any qualified contractor
- City of Edinburgh Council: £210 total council fees, any qualified contractor
- North Lanarkshire Council: £309.80 total council fees, any qualified contractor
Dropped kerb guides
Sources (official, checked 4 October 2026)