A Stockport business owner, frustrated by vehicles repeatedly blocking his warehouse entrance, used a forklift truck to move a car that was parked directly in front of his shutter. Luke Thurling, who runs Stockport Pallet Warehouse in Greater Manchester, filmed the incident and posted it to TikTok, where it quickly gained traction.
Forklift Used to Clear Entrance
The 38-year-old arrived at work earlier this week to find a vehicle parked across the entrance, preventing him from opening the warehouse. In the video, Thurling can be seen using a forklift to hoist the entire car out of the way. He explained: "Someone parked right in front of our shutter, so we couldn't open the warehouse. Luckily, we had a forklift handy."
Thurling added: "Usually we shift pallets, but today we've branched out into valet parking. Please keep our shutter clear - we've got enough customer returns without adding a Ford Fiesta to the pile." The offending vehicle was a 2007 Vauxhall Zafira Energy.
Viral Reaction and Comments
The footage drew a strong response from viewers, with many praising his actions. One commenter said: "They won't park there again, well done." Another backed him: "He's done the right job. Need more people doing this so people will stop parking cars where they shouldn't. Keep it up, mate."
A third commenter joked: "Brilliant mate, I'd love to do that but leave the car standing upright against a wall, take up even less room, ha ha." A fourth offered approval: "And so you should. Nice job."
Legal Considerations Raised
However, some viewers raised potential legal issues. One cautioned: "Just be careful, some Karen somewhere will say criminal damage. But I'm in total agreement – people quite often block access to the rear of my house, and I wish I could move them." Thurling responded: "Just get a forklift!"
Another observer noted: "Would have been better attaching a rope and pulling it out of the way. You're liable for any damage as soon as you touch it." Thurling stated that the car park is "constantly blocked" due to multiple gyms in Hallam Mill, and that "The owner seemed to drive off unaware of what happened."
UK Law on Blocking Driveways
Under UK law, it is an offence to obstruct the highway without lawful authority or excuse. This is the main provision police and councils rely on for vehicles left blocking entrances or exits. Penalties can include a requirement to move, a fixed penalty, or prosecution in some cases.
Blocking an entrance from the public road, especially across a dropped kerb, is usually a council or police enforcement issue. If the vehicle is parked on private land, it is typically a civil matter unless it also obstructs the public highway. Those affected are advised to try to find the driver and politely ask them to move, or to take photos and video showing the number plate, how the vehicle blocks the driveway, any dropped kerb or road markings, and a clear time note. They can then contact the relevant authority, such as the local council parking enforcement team.
