Southampton Council Threatens Residents With £1,000 Fines Over Driveway Parking Without Dropped Kerbs

Residents in Southampton, governed by a Labour-run council, face potential £1,000 fines for parking on their own driveways if they cross non-dropped kerbs to access their properties, based on enforcement of the Highways Act 1980. The council has issued warning letters through its highways partner Balfour Beatty, accusing homeowners of unlawfully crossing the kerbed footway, which can cause damage to public highways and utilities beneath. Homeowners are encouraged to apply for dropped kerbs to avoid fines, but this process involves significant costs of around £600 plus labor fees, and some applications have been rejected. Councillor Christie Lambert defended the enforcement as necessary to prevent damage to footpaths and to uphold legal responsibilities, despite local criticism labeling the approach as heavy-handed and unfair. Residents express frustration over the enforcement, especially as the rule had been largely unenforced for decades and some feel the council should prioritize fixing street issues like potholes and reducing on-street parking. The council follows a process of multiple notices before fines are issued, though no fines have reportedly been issued yet.