Homeowners in Southampton are furious after being warned they could face £1,000 fines for parking on their own driveways if the property does not have a dropped kerb.
Southampton City Council, run by Labour, has been working with contractor Balfour Beatty to enforce rules that have largely gone ignored for decades. Under the Highways Act 1980, it is illegal to drive over a public footpath to access a property unless a dropped kerb is in place.
Residents call the policy “madness” Local people say they were unaware of the rule and argue the council should focus on fixing potholes rather than sending inspectors to check driveways. Some even offered to pay for dropped kerbs but had their applications refused.
Retired teacher David Martin, 67, said his driveway is long enough for his car, but rejected because the council now demands extra space to account for the longest estate cars.
“I couldn’t afford to do it years ago, and now the requirements are ridiculous,” he said. “They should be encouraging us to get cars off the road, not forcing us to leave them on it.”
Highways inspectors currently issue notices to properties where vehicles are seen parked on driveways without legal access. After three warnings, households risk fines of up to £1,000.
Long-term residents frustrated Bob Howes, 74, has lived on his street for more than 40 years. His application for a dropped kerb was refused.
“If they charged me £5,000, I’d pay it,” he said. “But they won’t even allow it. My car fits fine, but apparently I have to think about whoever owns the house next. It makes no sense.”
He added that restrictions make the street unsafe: “When cars are forced onto the road, you can’t even get a fire engine or delivery lorry through.”
Other residents share the anger.
- Ramona Mihalache, 32, rents a flat where the driveway was included in the tenancy. She says a £1,000 fine would be more than her monthly rent.
- Yas Heydari, 32, recently spent £4,000 upgrading her driveway but still cannot legally use it. She says the council has ignored repeated reports about potholes: “They threaten people for using their driveways but can’t even fix the holes wrecking cars.”
Council defends enforcement Councillor Christie Lambert, Cabinet Member for Transport, defended the action, saying footways are not built to withstand vehicle weight and often conceal utilities that can be damaged.
“Every Highway Authority in England has the same process,” she said. “If vehicles cross footways illegally, it can cost tens of thousands to repair damage. Our priority is compliance, and we support residents through the dropped kerb application process.”
Locals remain unconvinced. Mr Martin called the Balfour Beatty partnership “partners in crime,” while Ms Heydari argued that banning driveway parking will only worsen street congestion.
