The two routes in Stockton
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's guidance on applying for a driveway crossing sets out how it works:
- Council-built crossing. The property owner applies online. The council assesses the site and sends a quote. If you accept and pay, the council arranges the work.
- Private contractor. You can use a private contractor instead, but they must hold the council's "Opening Up" licence to work on the highway. The council's guidance gives an email contact, careforyourarea@stockton.gov.uk, for licence queries.
The council does not publish a fixed fee for crossings, so the price depends on the site. Note that a Section 50 licence, used by utility-type works and priced by the council at £500 for new apparatus and £250 for repairs (Section 50 licences), is a different thing and does not cover driveway crossings.
What the council looks at
Every crossing is judged on its own site. Things that commonly affect whether one is approved, and how wide it can be, include:
- Whether there is enough room to park off the road. A car overhanging the footway is a problem.
- Visibility for drivers pulling out and for pedestrians.
- Proximity to junctions, bus stops, crossings and street trees.
- Street furniture such as lamp posts, signs and utility covers that may need moving at extra cost.
- Whether the road is a classified road, which may need planning permission as well.
Costs
National averages give a sense of the budget, though Stockton's figure comes from the council's quote or the licensed contractor:
| Work | Typical UK cost |
|---|---|
| New dropped kerb | about £1,800 |
| Widening an existing crossing | about £1,100 |
Sources: Checkatrade dropped kerb cost guide, 2026; MyJobQuote puts a typical job at about £2,000.
Costs rise with the width of the crossing, the depth of footway construction needed, and whether lamp posts, covers or verges are affected.
Mistakes to avoid
- Building the drive first. If the crossing is refused, you are left with a drive you cannot legally drive onto. Apply for the crossing before committing to the drive.
- Ramps and kerb blocks. The council's guidance is clear that putting ramps or materials in the street to get over a kerb is illegal.
- Unlicensed "kerb included" offers. If a driveway firm offers to do the kerb, ask to see the Opening Up licence. Work on the highway without one can be removed at your cost.
- Forgetting planning. A new access onto a classified road, or a drive in a conservation area, may need planning permission too. See our guide to conservation areas.
For a step-by-step comparison of the two routes, see council or private dropped kerb?.
Fitting the crossing to the drive
The crossing and the drive should be planned together, so the levels, width and drainage line up. A tarmac or block-paved drive can meet the back edge of the footway neatly, while water from the drive should be kept on your land rather than running across the pavement.
Common questions
Who can apply for a dropped kerb in Stockton?
The property owner applies to Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. Tenants need the owner's agreement.
Can my driveway installer lower the kerb?
Only if they hold the council's Opening Up licence. Otherwise the council builds it after you accept its quote.
How much does a dropped kerb cost?
About £1,800 for a new crossing on 2026 UK averages, but Stockton's price depends on the site and comes from the council or licensed contractor.
Can I park across an existing dropped kerb?
A dropped kerb outside your own home is for access. Parking rules vary, and blocking access to a neighbour's crossing can be enforced.
Do I need planning permission for a dropped kerb?
Not usually on an unclassified road, but it can be required on classified roads or where other works need consent.
Is a Section 50 licence the same thing?
No. Stockton's Section 50 licence covers other types of street works and does not cover driveway crossings.
