Merseyside Police have confirmed that parking on a public road outside another person's home is not an offence, even if it blocks the view from their front windows. The guidance aims to settle frequent disputes over on-street parking spaces, which many residents treat as an extension of their own property.
Anyone can park on a public road
According to the force, if a parking space is available on a public road, any member of the public is entitled to use it, regardless of its location. Officers acknowledged that finding a space can be frustrating when availability is limited, but stressed that doing so outside someone's house does not constitute an offence.
The advice states: "If a parking space is available on a public road, even if it's directly outside your house, anyone is allowed to park in it."
Cones and wheelie bins are illegal
However, residents who try to reserve public parking spots with items such as traffic cones or wheelie bins are breaking the law. Section 137 of the Highways Act 1980 makes it an offence to obstruct the highway without lawful permission.
The legislation says: "If a person, without lawful authority or excuse, in any way wilfully obstructs the free passage along a highway, he is guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 51 weeks or a fine or both."
Residents who witness this practice can report the obstruction to their local council or highway authority, both of which have the power to demand its removal or carry it out themselves.
When street parking is illegal
Street parking is deemed illegal in certain situations, including parking over a dropped kerb, in a marked cycle lane, or on red lines. Merseyside Police urge residents to report such incidents to the local council.
Police involvement may occur in cases of antisocial behaviour, particularly if a resident's vehicle is blocked in and cannot access the road. Officers may also step in when a vehicle presents a serious danger or creates an immediate physical barrier.
Both homeowners and tenants can seek police assistance if a vehicle is parked in a hazardous manner, left on official zig-zag markings, or positioned so that it prevents emergency service vehicles from gaining access.
