A couple who moved into a rented home in London initially enjoyed friendly relations with their neighbours, but a dispute over driveway parking has soured the relationship. After discovering a neighbour parking in their driveway without permission, the couple left a polite note asking them to stop. The neighbour responded by returning the note through their mail slot and continuing to park on the driveway daily for 11 days.
Neighbour ignores polite request
The couple had introduced themselves to the neighbour and asked that they seek permission before using the driveway, as they planned to get a car themselves. The neighbour was not receptive. About 45 days later, a car appeared in the driveway. The couple left a note saying, 'It is not very neighbourly to park in someone's driveway without permission. Please do not park in my driveway again.' The car left the next day but returned on Sunday, with the note put back through their mail slot.
The wife of the neighbour later explained that her husband had asked her to request permission but she forgot, and she considered the note rude. Since then, the neighbour has parked a borrowed car in the driveway every day for 11 days.
Landlord refuses to help
The couple asked their landlord to erect signs on the property to prevent unauthorised parking, but the landlord declined, saying the couple should resolve the issue with the neighbour themselves. The council's advice department suggested contacting a solicitor if the landlord would not help.
Legal rights on driveway parking
According to The RAC, parking on a driveway without permission is trespassing, which is a civil offence, not a criminal one. Police cannot make arrests. If the car is on a public highway or blocking the driveway from a public road, the council can act, but on private property, the council has no authority. The only option is to pursue a civil trespassing case in court, which can order the vehicle's removal. Alternatively, a claim for nuisance can be brought, but court action can be lengthy and expensive.
Engaging a private tow truck is not recommended by police. The Ask The Police website warns: 'Don't damage/clamp the vehicle or have it removed by a third party for destruction or storage without first seeking legal advice. If you do any of these things, you may commit a criminal offence or the owner may pursue a civil action against you.' Pushing the vehicle onto a road could also lead to offences.
