Lisa explained why the parking situation arose (Jam Press)
A woman who blocked her own driveway to stop her neighbours from parking in her spot has sparked a mixed reaction online. Lisa, 38, from Torbay in Devon recently posted a TikTok video explaining how the row had unfolded.
The administrative assistant said she had been sent a question by one of her followers and posted: “Am I wrong for blocking my own driveway so my neighbours have to stop parking there? I live on a street where houses vary a lot, mainly due to post-war building.
“I have a wide driveway that can fit about three or four cars, and I don’t have any fences at the moment. I bought the house when it was pretty much gutted, which is the only way I can afford it.
“But now I can’t afford the fencing. My neighbours can walk straight onto my drive from the pavement, even though there are paved paths on either side that act as the boundary.
“The neighbour on my left has a driveway for one car, and the neighbour on my right has a large front garden but no driveway. Street parking requires resident permits and is always full.”
The woman said both neighbours occasionally park on her drive and at first she didn’t mind because her and her girlfriend’s car could always fit comfortably on, so it wasn’t an issue. She continued: “But over time, it has become more frequent and more entitled.
“Sometimes, even blocking us in. So I started parking my car in a way that fully occupies the driveway and leaves no extra space. My neighbours are now annoyed at me for not letting them use the empty space on my driveway.
“Am I wrong for blocking my own driveway so they can’t park there?”
Lisa said: “I will just add that it always amazes me the level of entitlement some people have to other people’s property. I would never dream of parking on someone else’s drive in a million years, and then parking in such a way that the owner can’t use their own drive is crazy.
“I support the person's decision, but I may have had a conversation with the neighbours to let them know that the drive wasn’t available anymore.”
Users flocked to the comments to share their reactions.
Nana said: “Even if you didn’t have a car they can’t just use your empty drive way. They have no manners and it’s good you’re setting boundaries sooner than later.”
Mara added: “No. Carry on. It’s your property, they don’t pay the mortgage. They’re both saving money by using your driveway, and how rude for not seeking permission.”
Michelle said: “They should pay to use your driveway.” Penny added, “Get that fence up and a Ring doorbell.”
Arezo said: “You can do whatever you want!” Jenny added: “Entitlement! The neighbours could’ve asked nicely! No, you are not wrong!”
Some people said she could’ve come to a more civil decision. Lola said: “Could you not discuss it and come to an agreement? Good relationships with neighbours are important because they can be instrumental in your hour of need so, in my view, send an olive branch and have a conversation.”
Rebecca added: “Save up for fencing and gates. This type of dispute can get very nasty quickly and you have to live next to them . In the meantime I’d recommend a neighbourly chat and see how it goes.”
Louise said: “I'd rather talk to my neighbours and just agree they can park once they don't block you in.”