A recent homeowner has been left frustrated after discovering that their neighbours frequently park in front of their house, sometimes partially blocking the driveway, even though the neighbours have ample space for both of their vehicles on their own drive. Seeking legal guidance, the individual turned to Reddit for advice.
The Problem
The homeowner explained: 'I have recently moved into my first home. My front drive consists of two parts – a front garden with a fence in front of it, and the actual driveway where I park my car. My neighbours have taken it upon themselves to park in front of the fence, despite having room on their own driveway for both cars. I know this seems petty, but more often than not they park a little too far back and partially block my drive by about a foot. Since I have to share an extended driveway with my other neighbours, this makes it awkward to get out at times.'
Responses from Reddit
One user responded: 'Are they parking over your dropped kerb? You need to speak with them about it. Otherwise, unless you own the road outside your house – which is unlikely – they can park there as much as they like.' Another added: 'You cannot control who parks on the public road in front of your house. If they are blocking your access, have you spoken to them about this?' A third asked for clarification: 'Can you clarify if they are parking over your access from your drive to the road, or just parking on the road?'
The homeowner replied: 'It is a bit of both. More often than not, they are encroaching on my dropped kerb access. I am going to try speaking with them sometime this week to come to an arrangement. I do not mind them parking in front of the fence if they parked more towards their side of the fencing. But if they turn out to be difficult about it, what can I do?'
One commenter noted: 'There is nothing you can do to stop someone from being difficult if they are not engaged in unlawful behaviour. If your access from your driveway to the highway is not impeded, it is likely no one will take action. Have a word with them and ask them politely to stop.'
Legal Perspective
On BBC Morning Live, solicitor Gary Rycroft explained the legal position: 'If you own or rent your house, that is great, but you do not own or rent the road in front of your house. That is the public highway, and the clue is in the name – it is for the public to use and park on. Sometimes there are restrictions, such as double yellow lines, and you cannot block people's driveways. Councils may introduce residents' parking, but that only reduces the cohort of people who can park there; they can still park wherever they want within the residents' zone. So, no, you do not own the space in front of your house.'
Can You Use Cones or Bins?
Helen Skelton asked if people could take direct action, such as placing a cone or wheelie bin outside their house to keep a space free. Gary was firm: 'No, you cannot put a wheelie bin or a cone. That is an offence under the Highways Act 1980, Section 137, as you would be blocking the public highway. You could be liable for a fine, a penalty charge notice, or even imprisonment. Also, cones are distributed by the highway agency, so you should not have one in the first place. Please do not do that; you would be obstructing the highway.'
RAC Advice
The RAC states that it is perfectly legal to park outside someone's house, unless the vehicle is blocking a driveway or a wheel is over a dropped kerb. Where no parking controls exist, drivers do not have an automatic right to park outside their own homes. If your vehicle is on your driveway and another car is parked on a public highway blocking your access, the council has the power to act. However, if the other car is on a drive, it is on private property, and the council has no authority to remove it. Parking is also not permitted on streets with residents' parking permits or where restrictions like double yellow lines apply.
