Kerb ramps — a simple way to create a smooth entrance from the road to your driveway and protect your car from damage.
But is it as simple as putting down a kerb ramp and calling it a day?
In many cases, yes. But in some cases (like on public land) you may be required to run it by your local council first.
So do you need council approval for kerb ramps? And if so, how can you set up your ramp in a way that keeps council (and nosey neighbours) out of your hair?
What Are Kerb Ramps?
Whether you’ve got a lowered sports car, trailer or motorhome, a kerb ramp will avoid a bumpy ride, scratching the underside of your vehicle and wear and tear on your shock absorbers.
But it’s not just for cars. Some homeowners install rubber kerb ramps to assist those with reduced mobility.
Rubber kerb ramps come in various styles, shapes and materials. We have metal and rubber options to suit different driveway types (including rolled edge, cul-de-sac, square and layback).
Learn more about matching a kerb ramp to your driveway type here.
And once you’ve got your eyes on a suitable kerb ramp, is it as simple as ordering it and laying it down?
Let’s take a look at the regulations.
Rubber Kerb Ramps On Private Driveways
In most cases, placing kerb ramps on private driveways shouldn’t be an issue if you’re the homeowner. After all, it’s your home. If you’re currently renting, we recommend checking with your landlords before installing a rubber kerb ramp.
Rubber Kerb Ramps On Public Driveways
If you plan on installing a kerb ramp on a public driveway you may have to consult your local council or road authority (especially if you plan on fixing it to the ground). The reason for this is to ensure your kerb ramp has adequate drainage and to look out for the safety of the general public.
Unfortunately, we can’t give you a definitive rule on whether this applies to you because every area is different.
As a general rule, smaller roads are likely to be the responsibility of your council, and larger arterial roads are likely to be the responsibility of local road authorities.
There’s no harm in giving them a call to check what rules apply to your local area.
Tips To Get Your Ramp Approved By Council With Ease
The good news? Local councils and road authorities are often obliging — particularly if you play to their rules.
From experience, here are a few ways our customers have gained approval with ease…
Ultimately, this will prevent flooding and a build-up of debris. Our Solid Rubber Kerb Ramp comes with an inbuilt water channel (30mm high x 50mm wide) so water can flow through.
We also have a Steel Driveway Kerb Ramp which is a single 6mm, allowing for plenty of room beneath it.
Optional installation to create drainage gap for water to flow through
Kerbs come in all shapes and sizes. And if your ramp isn’t a perfect fit, that’ll send alarm bells ringing for your local authority. Here’s what we recommend for different kerb types:
- Rolled edge driveway — Heeve Solid Rubber Kerb Ramp
- Cul-de-sac driveway — Heeve Solid Rubber Kerb Ramp
- Layback driveway — Barrier Group Rubber Kerb Ramp
- Square driveway ramp — Barrier Group Gutter Ramp
Learn more about matching a kerb ramp to your driveway type here.
If your kerb ramp isn’t the right fit — like having a gap or edge sticking out — council are likely to call it a safety hazard. So first, make sure it’s the right fit. To be extra careful you can choose a ramp with reflective strips (like our Heeve Solid Rubber Kerb Ramp) or rounded ends modules (like our Barrier Group High Vis Kerb Ramp).
Generally, councils love moveable stuff. When things become more permanent, that’s when approvals may be needed. You can overcome this issue by making your kerb ramp easy to move. Some of our kerb ramps come with bolt holes for fixing (like our Heeve Solid Rubber Kerb Ramp) but these are optional depending on where you live.
Just like outrageous Christmas lights, you should run it by your neighbours first, so when you install kerb ramps in your driveway it doesn’t come as a shock.
Find A Kerb Ramp At Ramp Champ
Any more questions? We recommend you contact your local council or road authority for detailed regulations.
Once that’s out of the way, we’d love to help you find the right kerb ramp. Browse our range today or contact our friendly team on 1300 913 047 or email us at hello@rampchamp.com.au
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