Driveway Ramps

[WadGTI]

Hi folks,

Looking some advice here. I have a huge driveway, however the problem is the pavement isnt lowered. Over the years my cars have taken the toll in regards to the bushes being worn out quickly. Years have gone one and I think I need to address the problem now.

I have rounded concrete kerb stones (like the ones around pathways) on the road used as a sort of help for getting the car up into the driveway.

Now I have the golf which is lowered too, I really don't want to ruin it. I know I could pay for the pavement to be lowered but there is a big cost, planning permission and inspections associated with it.

I have seen houses with the small metal ramps, however I am having trouble finding anything online about them or what they are actually called.

Any suggestions on what I should to do to assist the car, anyone know of these mteal ramps?

Thanks

[Mitching]

Go to homebase and get some 4x2 planks, 3 or 6 dependant on width of the driveway.

[km]

kerb ramps possibly?

[monkeyalan]

http://www.theramppeople.co.uk/kerb-ramps

[WadGTI]

http://www.theramppeople.co.uk/kerb-ramps

hmm...I will need to measure up I think from the pictures, my pavement kerb is higher and the price is £150+. Bearing in mind they look appealing to steal. Pern fixing kit will cost.

Wondering if I will get away with lowering the kerb without telling the council. All other houses have there lowered, would doubt anyone would notice. Plus polish builders accross the road...could et a good price.

[Diamond Hell]

If your kerb is not lowered, your drive is not legal and you absolutely should not lower the kerb to facilitate access yourself.

If you do, you may face a hefty bill from the local council to put the correct height kerbs back in.

Apply and get permission, it's a road and pavement, not your road and pavement.  If you make unauthorised alterations to it and someone trips then the liability for any injury could well be on your shoulders. Do you actually own the house?

[PenguinGTI]

Agree with DH here. We redesigned our driveway a year or two ago now and ended up with one side coming out onto a high kerb. Phoned the council and spoke to them about the options and was told the following:

1) Buy some ramps but risk of removal if obstructing the road too much.
2) Apply for a lowering of the Kerbstone
3) Lower the Kerbstone without permission, but when the house needed to be sold the kerbstone would need to be reinstalled at original height.

We just got the inspector out and got the kerbstone lowered. It was a bit trickier than usual because our driveway straddles a speed bump so the pavement goes up to match the bump in the middle.

All done and dusted it looks great. And it's all approved so complete peace of mind.

If you can stretch to it, seriously look into getting it lowered legitimately. Otherwise, ramps are you're best option.

Apply and get permission, it's a road and pavement, not your road and pavement. 

This pretty much sums it up

HTH

[Sam]

Leaving big chunks of metal sat at the end of the drive to save money? I give em a week. 

[Len]

In Scotland they may do things a little differently!

[salsheikh]

it cost me less than £500 all in to get mine lowered.