What is an Access Protection Marking?
An Access Protection Marking (APM), commonly known as an H-bar marking, is a white road marking placed across a dropped vehicular access or driveway.
The marking acts as a visual reminder to motorists that access to the property should be kept clear and helps to improve access for residents.
Please note: An H-bar marking is advisory only. It does not create any additional parking restrictions, provide the Council with enforcement powers, or prevent you from parking your own vehicle across the marking if you choose to do so.
Vehicles blocking access
Although an H-bar marking cannot be enforced by the Council, parking across a dropped kerb and preventing access to or from a property may be considered an obstruction.
Where access is being blocked, residents can report the matter to Merseyside Police via their website or by calling 101.
Residents may also wish to display a polite notice on their gate or fence requesting that access is kept clear at all times.
Access Protection marking cost
Blue Badge holders
Access Protection Markings are provided free of charge to residents who hold a valid Blue Badge with at least three months remaining before expiry.
Other residents
Residents who do not hold a valid Blue Badge can request an Access Protection Marking for a fee of £156.
How to apply
Free marking (Blue Badge holders)
Please provide:
- Your full address (The Council will first assess the suitability of the location).
- A photograph or scan of the front and back of your Blue Badge.
- Proof of address, such as:
- A recent utility bill; or
- Official correspondence showing your name and address.
Email the required documents to: HighwaysEnquiries@knowsley.gov.uk
Chargeable marking
If you are not eligible for a free marking, you do not need to make payment when submitting your request.
Initially, email HighwaysEnquiries@knowsley.gov.uk with your request and full address.
The Council will first assess the suitability of the location and will contact you with payment instructions if the application is approved.
Site assessment
All requests for an Access Protection Marking will be assessed upon receipt of the application.
The Council will determine whether the location is suitable for installation, taking into account highway safety, the presence of a suitable dropped vehicular access, and other operational considerations.
Approval of an application is not automatic, and markings will only be installed where the site meets the relevant criteria.
Please do not make payment until you have been advised by the Council that the site is suitable and your application has been approved.
Installation timescales
Once the required documentation has been verified, or payment has been received where applicable, markings are typically installed within 30 days. However, installation may take up to six weeks depending on operational requirements and workload.
Further information and progress updates
To request further information or obtain an update on an existing enquiry, please use the Council's online reporting form and select: Track Progress of an Existing Report Highways.
Important information
- Access Protection Markings are intended to improve awareness and help protect access to residential driveways.
- The markings are advisory only and should not be relied upon as a means of parking enforcement.
- The Council does not have additional enforcement powers as a result of the marking being installed.
- Obstructions preventing access to or from a property should be reported to Merseyside Police via their website or by calling 101.
Contact us
Email: HighwaysEnquiries@knowsley.gov.uk
For all other highway-related enquiries, please use the Council's online reporting service.