According to a leading expert, drivers might have to pay an outrageous four-figure price simply to park legally in their driveway. 

Collect Service Go spokeswoman Ollie Green emphasised that drivers must have a "council-approved dropped kerb" in order to drive their car over the walkway and onto their drive because of a straightforward regulation. 

A dropped-kerb is a sloping spot where the walkway descends to the ground to make room for cars to pass.

Driving over a raised kerb to access your home isn't advised with road users at risk of severe damage as well as "significant penalties".

Wheel misalignment, tyre damage, suspension damage and issues to the axel and wheel shaft are all possibilities from driving over a raised kerb regularly.

Dropped kerbs allow safe passage onto a driveway and are usually already fitted by building companies.

However, motorists without a proper dropped kerb in place may need to foot the bill with total costs coming in at way over £2,000.

Ollie said: "Homeowners may not realise they require a council-approved dropped kerb to legally access their driveway without breaking the law.

"Failing to follow these regulations can result in significant penalties and potential damage to your vehicle.

"Councils typically charge a non-refundable fee of up to £340 for dropped kerb applications, with installation costs potentially reaching as high as £1,800.

"Making sure you've covered all the required steps upfront can save you from costly mistakes later on."

Direct Line warns that as many as 29% of households with a driveway or off-street parking don't have a dropped kerb fitted at their property.

Meanwhile, they stressed that homeowners can be fined for driving across the pavement to access a drive.

According to experts at Checkatrade, costs can massively vary with some jobs possible for as little as £1,100 to widen an existing access point.

However, more complicated jobs can cost up to £2,500 in a possible blow to riad users this Autumn.

As well as paying out for the new dropped kerb, motorists will likely have to go through the hassle of securing planning permission before work can even start.

Checkatrade added: "In most cases, dropping a kerb drop will require planning permission to be granted before the project can get underway.

"To find out whether you require planning permission, contact your local council."