Apply for an access protection marking (APM)
Guidance notes for applicants
If you already have an APM that has faded, do not use this form. You need to contact East Sussex Highways to apply for your APM to be refreshed.
What is an Access Protection Marking (APM)?
APMs are advisory white lines painted in front of dropped kerbs, which are kerbs that have been lowered to allow vehicle access, for example driveways. APMs can be very effective in deterring inconsiderate parking which restricts or blocks access.
If you do not have a dropped kerb we will not consider an application for an APM. You can apply to East Sussex Highways for consent to install a dropped kerb.
Enforcement of APMs
APMs are not legally enforceable by the Police or by Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs).
In Civil Enforcement areas (Eastbourne and Hastings boroughs, and Lewes and Rother districts) CEOs can, at the request of a resident whose access is blocked, issue a penalty charge notice to a vehicle parked across a dropped kerb and blocking access. An APM is not required for CEOs to enforce this. To report a vehicle parked in this way you should contact our enforcement contractor, NSL, who will be able to send a CEO to the area. You can contact them by telephone on 01273 335500 (option 1) or by email to parking.information@eastsussex.gov.uk.
In Wealden district, blocked access can be reported to the Police on their non-emergency number 101. Please note they can only act if the vehicle is parked in a way that prevents another vehicle from leaving the dropped kerb access.
Charges for APMs
The charge for an APM is £50. If the access is wider than 10 metres, £1.10 is added to the charge for each additional metre. VAT is included.
If you are a blue badge holder there is no charge for an APM, provided you live at the address. If your Blue Badge is due to expire within six weeks of the date you submit this form, your application will not be progressed free of charge.
Conditions
Provision of an APM is subject to the following conditions:
- We accept no responsibility for replacement of the marking should it become faded or covered by third party road works, but you may apply to have it refreshed for a charge.
- Residents should not park on the APM installed across the front of their driveway as this can undermine its effectiveness and lead to general abuse of it. The Council reserves the right to take the steps to remove the APM, if such abuse regularly takes place.
- We reserve the right to remove the marking should this prove necessary, without refunding the charge paid.
How we look after your data: Privacy notice – Parking Services.