What is a drop curb?

A drop curb is a roadside curb / pavement that is angled downwards towards the road to allow vehicles to easily drive up and down the curb. 

Parking in front of drop curbs is not allowed. It causes obstructions to driveway access, road crossing access and both pedestrian and driver visibility. Blocking driveway and crossing access is inconvenient and selfish but obstructing visibility can be very dangerous to pedestrians and road users.

Parking in front of drop crubs has been against the rules in London since Section 14 of the London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act 2003 came into force.

"Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 repeals section 14 and gives all local authorities in England with civil parking enforcement powers the ability to take action when a vehicle is parked alongside a dropped kerb in a Special Enforcement Area (that is, an area where parking is, in all other instances, permitted)."

For more detailed information visit The Department for Transport "Parking on pavements and alongside dropped kerbs"

Rule 218 of the Highway Code says: "Do not park partially or wholly on the pavement unless signs permit it".

• If there are any restrictions, e.g. yellow line, then you cannot park on the pavement.
• Where there are no other parking restrictions then a sign should say that you are not allowed to park on the pavement/grass verge. 
• Within London it is banned everywhere unless there is a sign permitting parking on the pavement or grass verge.

Vehicles parked on pavements can create a hazard: 

1. To pedestrians by causing an obstruction that may result in them having to step off the pavement into the carriageway, thus putting themselves in danger.
2. By restricting the width of the pavement and making it difficult for someone with a pushchair or wheelchair to pass safely - again this person may have to enter the carriageway to avoid the obstruction.
3. Due to the damage caused by driving on and off the pavement - broken flags, potholes, etc.

Illegally parked vehicles cost the City Council thousands of pounds a year in damaged paving and damaged grass verges. It can also create serious problems for blind, disabled and older people.

For more detailed information visit The Department for Transport "Parking on pavements and alongside dropped kerbs"