Can You Put Bollards on Your Drive? (Council Rules Explained)

Right, Let's Break This Down Properly

This is honestly the most common question we get. People want to protect their drive but don't want any aggro with the council. Fair enough. The rules aren't actually that complicated once you know what matters.

Your Own Driveway = Your Rules (Mostly)

If it's properly your land - like your actual driveway that you own - you're generally sound to put bollards wherever you want. No permission needed. This covers pretty much any normal setup:

• Fixed posts anywhere on your drive
• Telescopic ones you can lower when you need
• Removable bollards at the entrance
• Any security posts on your actual property line

We've done hundreds of these and never needed planning permission once. It's your property, end of.

Pavement or Road = You Need Permission

Here's where it gets a bit tricky. That bit of pavement in front of your house? That's not yours, even though you probably sweep it. It's "highway" legally speaking. So if you want bollards there, you've got to ask the council first.

They're funny about it because:

• People in wheelchairs need to get past
• There's pipes and cables under there
• Ambulances might need access
• Basically they don't want you blocking owt

To be honest, nine times out of ten they'll say no anyway. Better to put them just inside your boundary line instead.

Liverpool City Council Guidelines

For homeowners in Liverpool and Merseyside, your local council requires a formal application for any bollards installed on public land. The process typically takes 4-6 weeks and involves:

• Submitting detailed plans
• Paying an application fee
• Site inspection by council officers
• Approval from highways department

Best Practice for Installing Bollards

Even when installing on your own property, we recommend:

• Check underground services: Contact utility companies to locate pipes and cables
• Maintain access: Ensure emergency vehicles can still reach your property if needed
• Consider neighbours: While not legally required, informing neighbours is good practice
• Choose appropriate height: Standard bollards are 1000-1200mm tall
• Use professional installers: Ensure proper installation and compliance

Common Scenarios in Merseyside

Dropped Kerb Driveways

If you have a dropped kerb and want to install bollards at the entrance, place them on your property side of the boundary. This avoids needing council permission while still protecting your drive.

Shared Driveways

For shared access, you'll need agreement from all parties who use the driveway. Written consent is advisable to avoid future disputes.

Conservation Areas

Properties in conservation areas (common in parts of Liverpool and Southport) may have additional restrictions. Check with your local planning department first.

Why Choose Professional Installation?

At Mersey Bollards, we handle all aspects of bollard installation across Merseyside:

• Free site surveys and regulation advice
• Assistance with council applications if needed
• Underground utility checks
• Professional installation to UK standards
• Choice of fixed, telescopic, or removable bollards
• Clean, tidy work with no mess left behind