Parking in the wrong place or blocking someone’s path can easily spark a dispute between people.
And with parking on residential streets sometimes a tricky task, motorists often try to nab any available space.
However, some drivers park in front of driveways and dropped kerbs, often without considering the consequences.
Whether you occasionally park in front of a driveway or are frustrated by someone blocking yours, here’s what the law says about the issue.
Is it illegal to park in front of someone’s driveway in the UK?
Parking in front of a driveway is not allowed in the UK, according to the Highway Code.
Rule 243 explicitly states that drivers must not stop or park “in front of an entrance to a property.”
Additionally, the Highway Code advises against stopping or parking “where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users and powered mobility vehicles.”
George Penny, EV Expert at The Solar Co, said: “Strictly speaking, parking in front of a dropped kerb (whether installed for driveway access or to assist wheelchair users) violates Rule 243 of the Highway Code, unless stationary traffic has forced the vehicle to stop.
“The key distinction is that it’s the presence of the dropped kerb itself that makes it enforceable, not simply blocking a driveway entrance.
“In many areas, local councils have taken on Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) powers, which means they can issue a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of up to £70 or more if a vehicle is causing an obstruction.
“That said, enforcement isn’t universal - you may find that some councils will only act upon a specific complaint from the affected resident, and there are exemptions, such as vehicles parked with the occupier's consent or those engaged in loading and unloading.”
What to do if someone parks on your driveway
Jonathan Such, motoring expert at First Response Finance, said: “What many drivers don’t realise is that even if there are no yellow lines present, blocking access to a property can still be considered an obstruction if the vehicle is preventing access to a public road.
“In the first instance, it’s always worth trying to locate the driver calmly.
“Checking with neighbours or nearby houses can often resolve the issue quickly without it escalating.
“In many cases, the driver may simply be unaware they’re causing an obstruction.
Can someone use my driveway to turn their car?
“If that’s not successful, you can contact your local council to see whether enforcement applies in your area.
“Where there is a dropped kerb, councils often have clearer powers to issue a penalty notice.
“If you’re completely blocked in and need urgent access, contacting the police on a non-emergency number (101) may also be appropriate.”
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He says you shouldn’t take “matters into your own hands”, adding: “Clamping, damaging the vehicle, or deliberately blocking it in could land you on the wrong side of the law and potentially invalidate your own insurance.
“However frustrating the situation, it’s always better to go through the proper procedures.”
For more information on parking regulations in your area, visit your local council’s website.
What’s your parking pet peeve? Tell us what frustrates you most in the comments below.
