Hillingdon Council will begin installing bollards or barriers on council‑owned highways and pavements from November to stop residents repeatedly crossing pavements or grass verges without an authorised dropped kerb. The preventative measure follows a two‑stage warning process designed to protect the public highway from damage and costly repairs.
Under the new regime, the council will first issue a warning letter to any property owner who has created an illegal vehicle crossover. The letter will explain the breach, outline the corrective action required and set out the consequences of non‑compliance. If the issue persists, a final warning will be sent, giving the owner 21 days to resolve the matter before physical barriers are fitted in accordance with the Highways Act 1980 and the Traffic Management Act 2004.
Driving over a pavement or verge without a properly constructed dropped kerb is illegal and can damage surface layers, underground pipes and cables. Properly built dropped kerbs reinforce the pavement, allowing safe vehicle access to off‑road parking and potentially adding value to the property. Only the council is authorised to construct dropped kerbs in Hillingdon, and residents bear the full cost of installation.
Cllr Wayne Bridges, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents Services, said: “Hillingdon has more than 735 miles of pavements, and as the local highway authority, we have a duty to keep them safe and well maintained.
“Driving across a pavement without an authorised dropped kerb is not only illegal but can result in unnecessary maintenance at a cost to taxpayers, so we will use the legal powers available to us to take tougher action to protect our highways against those few who repeatedly ignore the rules.
“I encourage residents to take action promptly if they receive a warning.”
