New inspection program to reduce the number of non-compliant crossover

Published on 30 March 2023

To help improve public safety of community and to reduce damage to community infrastructure, Council will be undertaking crossover inspections in urban areas from July 2023. 

Council’s Local Law requires a suitable crossover (also known as driveway access points), crossover to be installed at any point where vehicles access private property from Council assets, such as roadways and nature strips.

Many crossovers in Baw Baw Shire, especially in urban areas, are currently non-compliant and constructed with inappropriate materials. When vehicles drive across crossovers constructed with inappropriate materials which are unable to support the weight of the vehicle, it can lead to costly and hazardous damage to footpaths, nature strips, kerbing and roadways.

Each year the avoidable cost to Council to repair damage caused to footpaths is approximately $120,000. The reduction in non-compliant crossovers will not only improve safety, but also lead to a reduction in damage and expenditure.

Following Council inspections, owners of properties found to have a non-compliant crossover may be served with a notice requiring them to bring their crossover into compliance at their own cost. Notices will be issued from August onwards. 

Any new property owners or builders are encouraged to ensure that their crossovers are complaint to avoid later cost. Council’s Asset Protection Team are available and ready to assist to ensure that the crossover at your property complies with the relevant design standards and Local Law.

More information about the importance of a compliant crossover, and how to contact the Asset Protection Team can be found on Council’s website.   

Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe

“Compliant crossovers are important to ensure the safety of all those using our roads and footpaths.

This inspection program will aim to identify and reduce the number of non-compliant crossovers in urban areas within the Shire to minimise the damage to community assets, reduce hazards for pedestrians and drivers, and bring down the cost to ratepayers from repairing damage that is avoidable.

Anyone with questions about the compliance of their crossover is encouraged to contact our Asset Protection Team. They can help answer any queries and ensure your crossover is compliant with standards and Local Law.”