We are responsible for all road markings on public highways in Lincolnshire.
Only Lincolnshire County Council can install, maintain or give permission for road markings, in line with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and Department for Transport design standards.
Residents and businesses are not permitted to install or maintain their own road markings.
In some circumstances, we can provide an advisory H-Bar road marking.
If you are looking to introduce enforceable parking restrictions, such as waiting or loading restrictions, you will need to apply for a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). Find out how to request a TRO.
What is a H-Bar road marking
A H-Bar road marking is a white ‘H’ shaped marking painted across the width of a dropped kerb access to a private property or business premises.
It is used to highlight the presence of a vehicular access and discourage vehicles from parking across it.
H-Bar markings are advisory only. This means:
- They cannot be enforced
- They do not create a reserved parking space
- They are not intended to resolve neighbour disputes
A standard H-Bar marking is designed to fit a single-width driveway with dropped kerbs, approximately 4.6 metres wide.
If you require a longer marking, for example for a shared driveway, you must tell us during the application process. We will work with you to agree a bespoke design and cost.
Eligibility and site requirements
Anyone can apply for a H-Bar road marking. There are no concessions.
A H-Bar marking can only be provided where all of the following apply:
- There is a legal vehicle crossing point (dropped kerb) serving the property
- The road surface is standard blacktop, not cobbled or block paved
- The location is not already covered by parking enforcement measures, including a Traffic Regulation Order
- The request is to address regular obstruction caused by parked vehicles
- The applicant is the resident or business owner and can provide proof, such as a recent utility bill
- The address is on a public highway (we cannot install H-Bar markings on private roads)
Fees, payment, and refunds
The cost to install a standard-width (4.6m) H-Bar road marking is £400, regardless of location within Lincolnshire.
H-Bar markings are advisory and there is no statutory requirement for us to provide them. The full cost of installation is therefore charged to the applicant.
If you require a longer than standard marking, we will provide a bespoke design and cost. This will be more than £400.
Key payment information:
- Payment is required for every application
- Payment is made online
- Requests for invoices can be accommodated but will incur an additional £150 administration fee
Lincolnshire County Council does not maintain H-Bar markings.
We are under no obligation to replace or refresh markings if they fade, deteriorate or are lost due to highway works or traffic schemes. In these circumstances, the original fee will not be refunded.
A marking will only be replaced following a new application and payment.
Application process
All applications must be made online.
As part of your application, you must:
- Confirm you live at or operate from the address where the marking is requested
- Upload proof of occupancy, such as a utility bill dated within the last three months
If the driveway is shared and requires a longer than standard marking, you should explain this in your application.
We will discuss the requirements with you and provide a bespoke cost. It is up to the applicants involved to agree who submits the application and how the cost is shared. You are advised to secure agreement and funding from all parties before making payment.
Apply for a H-Bar road marking
Decision making
Once an application is received, officers will validate the request against the eligibility criteria.
Because payment is required for each installation, we will also tell you about any known upcoming surfacing works at the location. This allows you to decide whether to proceed immediately or wait until those works are completed.
Time frames and maintenance
If you request a longer than standard marking, an officer will contact you within approximately 3 weeks to discuss your requirements.
For standard applications, we would normally expect the marking to be installed within 28 days of payment being received.
Lincolnshire County Council does not maintain H-Bar markings and may remove them if required. Replacement will only be carried out following a new application and payment.
Utility companies are required to reinstate the highway following their works. If your H-Bar marking is damaged during utility works, you should contact the relevant company directly to request reinstatement.