Our Services - Road markings

Access protection markings

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. 

To be able to apply for an APM you must have a dropped kerb. If you do not have a dropped kerb for vehicle crossing, you can apply for consent to install a dropped kerb here.

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 East Sussex County Council's 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.

Apply for an APM

Where you apply for an Access Protection Marking (APM) depends on whether it is for a new APM or to refresh an existing faded APM.

New application

If you are applying for a new APM or to extend an existing one, please complete East Sussex County Council's online application form.

Refresh faded lines

To request a refresh of a faded APM, please complete our online application form. This will raise a case in our system which we will assess and contact you for payment. The cost of a refresh is currently £57.60.

Please note, the APM refresh will not be undertaken until payment has been made.

Report a problem

If you think the problem is an emergency please call us on 0345 60 80 193. If it is not an emergency you can report it easily online here.

Report a problem online