This is a short collection of notes on the dimensions of a private drive.

• These are for guidance only and should be checked before being used.
• Local regulations and restrictions may apply and you should check before starting any work.
• The drive entrance should only be at the verge crossing.
  • The verge crossing will have lowered curbs for the vehicles to get onto the road.
  • New or changed verge crossings will normally require permission from the council highways and planning departments.
  • Verge crossings must be constructed to special specifications.
  • Verge crossings must be constructed by approved contractors.
• Ideally a drive should be 3.2 metres wide (or 2.6 metres if there is a separate footpath).
• If you are putting gates on a drive opening onto a busy drive you may have to set them back 5 metres from the edge of the highway to allow a vehicle to pull safely off the road before needing the gates opening.
• Check you can see clearly from the car driving seat when you pull out of the driveway.

• 

• Any water on the drive must not drain onto the highway, but must be disposed of on site.

• 

• Long drives need special considerations.
  • Bends need to be wider to allow vehicles to turn.
  • Oil delivery vehicles may only have 30 metre long delivery hoses.
  • Oil delivery vehicles are typically 7.2 metres long by 2.6 metres wide and weigh 18 tonnes.
  • LPG delivery vehicles need to get to within 25 metres of the fill valve.
  • The fire brigade need to get their vehicles to within 45 metres of the house.