Homeowners in England have been warned that motorists can technically park on their driveways without legal repercussions due to a loophole in the Highway Code. The Workplace Depot, a workplace supplies company, highlighted that Rule 243 of the Highway Code lists 12 places where parking is prohibited, but does not include private driveways.
According to the experts, parking on a driveway is considered trespassing, which is a civil matter rather than a criminal offence. This means the police have limited power to intervene, leaving homeowners with few options to remove unauthorised vehicles.
To prevent such issues, the company recommends installing driveway parking posts, bollards, or expandable barriers to restrict access. Adding a gate or security cameras can also act as deterrents. However, they caution against taking matters into one's own hands, as removing or damaging the vehicle could lead to criminal damage charges.
A spokesperson for The Workplace Depot said: "Nobody wants to come home and see a stranger's car on the drive but this bizarre legal loophole allows that to happen." They advised homeowners to deal with the situation calmly and, if the problem persists, to seek legal advice.
The loophole is most likely to affect those living near busy hospitals or in town and city centres where parking is scarce. While the risk is low for most, the experts urge homeowners to take preventative measures to secure their driveways.
