A person in the UK has shared their frustration after a neighbour repeatedly used traffic cones to reserve a street parking space, escalating the issue by leaving a note on the car when the spot was taken. The incident, posted on Reddit, highlights a common but legally unsupported practice.
Neighbour's Cones Spark Parking Dispute
The Reddit user explained that their street operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no assigned parking spots. About six months ago, a neighbour began placing two orange traffic cones in front of his house whenever he left, hoping to deter others from parking there. Initially, people ignored the cones and moved them, but the neighbour started confronting anyone who parked in the space.
Recently, the poster found no available spots and parked where the cones were placed. An hour later, they found a note on their windscreen stating: 'Please respect that this spot belongs to the residents of this house.' The user noted that the spot is on a public street and that other neighbours have also complained, but the neighbour insists he is entitled to the space because it is in front of his property.
Reddit Users Offer Advice
The Reddit post received numerous comments advising on how to handle the situation. One user suggested: 'Call the non-emergency line about this guy – this is not okay.' Another replied: 'Someone doesn't get to invent their own parking rules because they live nearby. If it's a public street, that's exactly the kind of thing the non-emergency line should be made aware of before it escalates.' A third comment recommended: 'Just keep moving them. If they push it, tell them to have the authorities come and speak to you.'
UK Street Parking Rules Explained
In the UK, street parking on public roads is generally first-come, first-served unless restricted by markings or signs. Double yellow lines indicate a strict prohibition of waiting at any time, while single yellow lines mean parking is prohibited during specific times, with operating hours displayed on nearby time plates. Red lines on Red Routes ban parking, stopping, or loading entirely. White lines are used for specific purposes such as loading bays.
Drivers with a Blue Badge have privileges, including free parking in many Pay & Display bays and on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours where safe. It is essential to check local borough rules, as exceptions apply in central London. Parking in a space reserved by cones on a public street is not illegal, but the cones themselves may be considered an obstruction. According to the UK Highway Code, no one has a legal right to reserve a parking space on a public road.
