Obstruction of Dropped Kerbs

Access markings

Both residents and businesses can apply for a white “H-bar” access marking to be painted at the entrance to their property if they have a dropped kerb.

This does not alter the enforceability of your dropped kerb, but does help drivers to avoid parking inappropriately in the first place.

Application

To apply for an Advisory Access Marking (‘H-Bar’) you must:

• Live in the Borough of Stevenage
• Have a residential dropped kerb for vehicle access
• Have an access point on the public highway
• If you share a driveway with a neighbour, you must have their agreement before applying.

Fee and assessment

There is a fee of £150 that covers the administrative costs of processing the application, an engineer site visit to assess whether the marking is appropriate and to determine its position, and the cost of carrying out the lining work if the application is approved.

If any of the information you provide during the application process is found to be incorrect during the on-site survey, a refund cannot be offered.

Please note that completion of the lining works is dependent on staff and contractor availability, as well as factors outside the council’s control, such as weather conditions. As a result, the work may take several months to complete.

Dropped kerbs

Dropped kerbs allow vehicles to access properties next to the public highway and are also installed at pedestrian crossing points.

A vehicle is considered to be causing an obstruction if any wheel is parked next to the transition kerb (the sloping kerb that joins the full-height kerb to the dropped kerb at road level) or the dropped kerb itself. In these circumstances, a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) may be issued.

Report a dropped kerb obstruction

• Monday to Friday (9am to 5pm)
• Call 01279 502039 to speak to the Parking Office.

Out of Hours

For the following times, call 01279 655261:

• Monday to Friday: 5pm to 8pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 5pm

You will be asked a few questions to confirm that the criteria for issuing a PCN are met before a Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO) is sent to attend, subject to availability.

Important information

Civil Enforcement Officers do not have the power to remove vehicles.

• The penalty charge for this offence is £70.
• The charge is reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.