It can be frustrating to arrive home from a trip out in the car to find someone is occupying the space outside your home. Whether it is a one-off or a regular occurance it can be both annoying and inconvenient.
But is there anything that can be done to stop it? And is it ever a matter for the police?
According to the RAC the answer might not be straightforward, depending on what the problem is. It said: "It is perfectly legal to park outside someone’s house, unless the vehicle is blocking a driveway or a wheel is over a dropped kerb. Where no parking controls exist, drivers do not have an ‘automatic spot’ for parking outside their homes.
"If your vehicle is on your driveway and another car is parked on a public highway and blocking your access out of your driveway, the council has the power to act. But if that other car is on a drive, it’s technically on private property – and the council has no authority to remove it.
"Other situations in which parking isn’t permitted include streets governed by residents’ parking permits or any of the restrictions outlined above, i.e. double yellow lines."
Lancashire police has also explained the rules - and who to contact if there is a vehicle causing a problem. It said: "Neighbours parking in your space or across your driveway, and people abandoning vehicles on the street can seem like a matter for the police. However, the first point of contact is very often your local authority." Below it explains exactly what to do in a range of common parking issues.
Abandoned vehicles
An abandoned vehicle is one which has not been moved or attended to for a long time. There may be visible damage to suggest a crash or signs the vehicle has been stolen, such as:
- significant damage
- it's run-down or unroadworthy, including being rusted
- missing or suspicious number plates
- broken windows, flat tyres
- has a lot of rubbish inside it
- broken or loose ignition
- broken steering column
Abandoned vehicles can cause a nuisance by obstructing roads, traffic and pedestrians. The sight of a damaged or slowly rusting car can also be an eyesore in your community, so it’s understandable you might want it to be removed.
What you can do about abandoned vehicles
Lancashire police advise: "If you know the vehicle owner, our first advice would be to ask them politely to move it. After all, they may not be aware they’re causing a problem.
"However, do not take the law into your own hands by intervening, such as making physical threats or attempting to move the vehicle yourself. You may make the situation worse and even risk committing an offence yourself."
Parking disputes
"If a parking space is available on a public road, even if it’s directly outside your house, anyone is allowed to park in it." said police. They added: "We appreciate this can be frustrating, especially if spaces are hard to come by on your street."
Designated parking spaces
"If someone has parked in your designated parking space without your permission, our first advice is always to try and resolve the issue peacefully yourself. If you can’t find the driver to speak to them, try leaving a polite note on their windscreen.
"If you lease a property with a parking space, please contact whoever is responsible for your building, such as the freeholder, council or managing agent." It added if the issue continues, you can report antisocial behaviour online.
Someone parking on your driveway
Police said: "If someone parks their vehicle on your driveway without your permission, this is trespassing. This is a civil dispute and not something we can help you with.
"If it happens repeatedly with the same person / vehicle you might want to seek advice from Citizens Advice or a solicitor, but we would always recommend having a polite word with the driver first, as there may have been a simple misunderstanding.
Someone blocking your driveway
If a vehicle is blocking the entrance and stopping you from driving onto your driveway, this is not a police matter, they said. "Your local council may be able to assist, but policies will vary depending on where you live. We'd always recommend having a polite word with the driver first, as there may have been a misunderstanding."
They added: "If a person has blocked your driveway and is preventing you from getting your own vehicle out, we may be able to help. You can report antisocial behaviour online."
Illegal parking
However in some circumstances police or the local authority should be notified. It says people can report online to police here if the vehicle is parked:
- on zig-zag lines
- dangerously
- in a way that would prevent emergency vehicles from accessing
However people should report to their local council here if the vehicle is parked:
- over a dropped kerb
- on a pedestrian crossing (including the area marked by white zig-zag lines)
- in spaces reserved for Blue Badge holders, residents or motorbikes (unless entitled to do so)
- in marked taxi bays, cycle lanes or red lines
- near a school entrance, bus or tram stop
