Parking On Other People’s Driveways

Have you ever paid to park on someone else’s driveway? Has someone parked on your drive without permission? The rules surrounding parking on another person’s property can be confusing. 

In this dedicated article about parking on other people’s driveways, here at Wilsons Epsom, we confirm what is classed as legal or illegal parking behaviour in the UK, what to do if someone parks on your property without permission, and how you can rent your driveway to make money. Read on to find out more… 

Is it illegal to park in someone else’s driveway?

Parking in someone else’s driveway without permission is a controversial move and can cause much frustration and distress to the property owners. If you are a victim of an uninvited vehicle on your drive, then where do you stand in terms of the law? 

Although there is not a specific criminal law to restrict people parking on your drive without consent, technically, it is classed as trespassing; this is because a driveway is deemed part of your private property. However, it’s worth noting that trespassing is a civil offence rather than a criminal offence, so the police are unlikely to be able to make an arrest if you arrive home to find someone else parked in your driveway. 

What to do if someone parks on your drive without permission

If someone parks on your drive without permission, the first thing you should do is remain calm. An uninvited vehicle parking on your property is technically trespassing, but unfortunately not an illegal act as such. This means the police may not be able to help you remove it, unless the driver has caused harm or damage to your property as a result. 

Instead, it is best to wait until the driver returns so you can speak with them in person and explain they have parked on private property. In some cases, the driver may have parked on your driveway in error and will be only too sorry for their mistake. 

If you suspect that a vehicle has been abandoned on your drive, then you will need to call the local council to request the car be removed. Do bear in mind that this can be a lengthy process, as by law, council’s have to give 15 days notice before removing an abandoned vehicle. 

What to do if someone blocks your drive

If you arrive home to find someone has partially blocked your drive, or you plan to head out only to find you've been blocked in by another vehicle, then the first thing you should do is speak to your neighbours. More often than not, the offending vehicle will be someone visiting a nearby neighbour. 

Your next option would be to leave a polite note carefully placed under the windscreen wiper of the car - this will inform the driver of their inconvenient parking choices so that they don’t do it again. If the driver has parked over a dropped kerb or you believe the vehicle has been abandoned, contact your local council for further advice and assistance. 

How to prevent other people from parking near or on your driveway

Living in a densely populated area or a popular tourist spot can leave you at risk of inconsiderate drivers. To help protect your driveway from being parked on or partially blocked, there are a number of preventative measures you can take:

1. Display a no ‘no parking’ or ‘private property’ sign to signal to drivers that their vehicles are not welcome on or too close to your driveway. 
2. If people are parking on privately-owned areas in front of your property, install fixed bollards to help prevent this, as long as you have permission to do so first.
3. Install a fence or gate to the entrance of your driveway to help demonstrate it is private and keep unwanted vehicles out.
4. You may even feel it necessary to install CCTV cameras outside of your property to act as an extra deterrent.

Renting out your driveway

Owners of private driveways are cashing in on the opportunities to rent it out to daily commuters and weekend tourists. If you have space on your driveway, why not consider this option too, it’s a simple process to get started…  

Websites such as Just Park and Your Parking Space allow property owners to earn thousands of pounds from renting their driveways, while enabling millions of drivers to book a guaranteed parking space. Simply sign-up and start reaping the rewards! 

Parking rules in the UK

Are you aware of the law when it comes to parking in the UK? Many motorists are unsure what the rules are of parking on private or public roads. To help you, we have listed the most important parking rules for drivers:

• Parking over a dropped kerb is illegal and doing so can result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) or parking ticket.
• Parking on or partially over a pavement is an offence depending on where you are. Parking on pavements is only allowed if accompanying signage says so. 
• Parking on a privately-owned road without prior permission to do so is classed as trespassing.
• Parking on a road is subject to Highway Code rules which must be adhered to. 
• Parking on double yellow lines is not permitted at any time, unless you are a blue badge holder and it is not deemed obstructive or dangerous.
• Parking on a single yellow line is subject to the details displayed on the accompanying sign. 
• Parking on red lines (usually evident in London) is restricted and subject to the details displayed on the accompanying signage.
• Parking on yellow zig-zag lines is strictly prohibited. These lines are in place to protect pedestrians and other road users and are usually seen outside schools and hospitals. 
• Parking on white zig zag lines is also strictly prohibited, as these indicate a pedestrian crossing. 
• Parking along ‘no stopping’ areas (indicated by a sign with a red cross over a blue background) is not permitted at any time. 
• Parking in loading bays is only permitted if you are loading or unloading during a set period. 
• Parking in bays reserved for other motorists if it does not apply to you - such as the emergency services, parent and child, or electric vehicle drivers - can result in a PCN.
• Anyone can park on a public road as long as it is safe to do so and not causing an obstruction to pedestrians or other road users.   

Always make sure you follow the rules of the road when parking as outlined by the official Highway Code.