Motorists could be hit with a hefty £5,000 fine for parking their vehicle in one place, according to leading experts, Ollie Green, a car safety expert at MOT service Collect Service Go, stressed drivers could be penalised if they leave their cars on “someone else's driveway”.
The leading specialist warns this could technically be considered "trespassing”, even if motorists stop on a drive temporarily. They warn road users risk hefty £5k fines and could even face even stricter penalties in some circumstances.
Ollie said: “Using someone else’s driveway, either through parking or even briefly to turn may seem harmless, but it’s technically trespassing. With the increased use of doorbell cameras, property owners are more likely to take action against unauthorised use.
"Rule 243 of the Highway Code clearly states that drivers should not stop or park in front of an entrance to a property so that homeowners can access their driveways without obstruction. In some cases, this can result in fines of up to £5,000, community orders, or even prosecution if property damage occurs.”
The RAC has previously warned that a “curious loophole in the law” means that motorists stopping on someone else’s driveway could still go unpunished. Because driveways are private property, rather than public land, authorities may not be able to intervene until further proceedings are brought against the driver.
It means homeowners and renters may need to pursue a civil case for trespassing, in which the courts have jurisdiction to remove the vehicle. The breakdown group stressed that prevention was likely the best cure, urging road users to put up a fence, gate, or bollard to deter motorists from using the driveway.
Despite the potential hassle, homeowners and renters have been urged to never overreact if they notice someone else has stopped in their driveway.
Ollie explained: "If you find yourself in a situation where your driveway is blocked, the first step is to try and contact the vehicle owner. If that doesn’t work and the vehicle blocks your driveway to the point where you cannot get out, it may be considered antisocial behaviour.
“In these cases, you have the right to report it to the police, who can intervene and ensure the vehicle is moved.”