Apply for a Protective Entrance Marking

A Protective Entrance Marking (PEM) is an advisory marking to remind other road users not to obstruct an entrance as vehicle access is required at all times.

A PEM consisting of a white line with a tab at each end and covers a dropped kerb crossing. It provides a clear visual reminder to drivers that an access from the public highway must be kept clear and should not be obstructed.

Where a PEM can be installed

A PEM can be installed across a dropped kerb vehicle crossing that provides access to:

• off-street parking (to a premises or business)
• a driveway
• a hardstanding area
• a garage

The off-street parking space must be at least 2.4 metres wide by 4 metres long, which is large enough to park an average-sized car.

A PEM cannot be installed:

• where there are existing waiting restrictions already in place
• where the kerb is not dropped

Eligibility criteria

• You must live within the Derby city boundary on a public highway. We cannot install a PEM on private roads.
• You must have a dropped kerb to a driveway or garage with sufficient space to park a vehicle.
• Where vehicle access is shared by two or more properties, all affected property owners must agree before the lining can be installed.

What you can do before applying

Before applying for a PEM, you may wish to try the following:

• Install a ‘No Parking’ sign on your garage, gate or fence to remind road users to not obstruct a driveway access- these signs are readily available to buy online (maximum size, 0.3m by 0.3m and it should not overhang the highway).
• If you are being blocked in and prevented from getting to the road, then please call the Police on 101 (non-emergency).
• If you are being prevented from accessing your drive, then please contact Parking Services by phone on 07917233812 or email parking.services@derby.gov.uk.

Be aware that enforcement action can only be taken where a vehicle is causing a complete obstruction to a driveway entrance.

Vehicles that are partially overhanging the dropped kerb, or where there is still enough space to enter and exit the driveway may not meet the threshold for enforcement.

Fees for a PEM

After your application has been assessed and approved:

• New PEM installation - £150
• Repainting a worn PEM marking - £125

How to apply

You can apply for a new PEM marking or request to remark an existing one using the online form

Apply for new or repaint PEM marking

How long the application process takes

We aim to review applications within four weeks, provided all required information has been supplied.

If additional information is needed, we will contact you by email.

If your application is approved:

• you will receive an email with payment instructions
• when payment is received, we aim to install the marking within four months

If your application is not successful, we will email you with an explanation.

If someone parks over the marking

A PEM is an advisory marking only. It does not create a parking restriction and does not carry any additional enforcement powers.

The police or Derby City Council’s enforcement officers may take action where a vehicle is causing an obstruction to a driveway entrance, whether or not a PEM is present.

Can I use the marking to reserve a parking space for a vehicle?

No, the marking is provided to highlight the presence of a driveway area or access to a garage. If you park your own vehicle over the PEM marking, not only does it block access, but it reduces the effectiveness of the marking and shows to other drivers that you do not need access to the driveway area, or garage. 

If your vehicle is regularly seen to be parking on the marking it will be removed.

Can a PEM application be refused?

Yes, applications may be refused in the following circumstances:

• Where there are existing restrictions already in place that are enforceable by our civil enforcement officers.
• Where parking issues are a result of neighbours or local residents.
• If there is insufficient space to park a vehicle.
• The property is situated on a private road
• Where an applicant intends to extend a driveway entrance, create a new vehicle access, or lower kerbs. These works must be completed first before a PEM can be considered.
• We reserve the right to not install the marking should we feel that it will not be successful or will lead to undue community tensions. Similarly, if the marking is installed and is shown to be causing problems in the neighbourhood, we reserves the right to have the marking removed.