An odd legal loophole leaves authorities unable to help and homeowners frustrated and struggling to resolve if another car parks on their driveway this summer
Motorists in the UK with their own driveways could be compelled to fit ‘bollards’ in a fresh headache for households. Brits are being alerted that they might be left helpless if another driver decides to park on their driveway during the upcoming summer months.
The Workplace Depot has highlighted a peculiar legal quirk that renders local authorities impotent, leaving homeowners vexed and struggling to find a solution. Although Rule 243 of the Highway Code specifies 12 locations where parking is prohibited, it fails to mention parking on someone else’s driveway.
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In the event that a motorist parks on your drive, it’s considered trespassing, which is a civil issue rather than a criminal one. The experts at The Workplace Depot are now advising property owners to adopt proactive steps to prevent such scenarios, reports Birmingham Live.
They recommend the installation of driveway parking posts, bollards, or an expandable barrier to limit access.
A spokesperson for The Workplace Depot commented: “Nobody wants to come home and see a stranger’s car on the drive but this bizarre legal loophole allows that to happen.
“For most of us it’s unlikely to be a problem, but if you live in an area where parking can be difficult like close to a busy hospital or in a town or city centre, then there is technically nothing to stop a motorist parking on your drive.
“Because this isn’t deemed as breaking the law and is seen as a civil matter, there’s very little the authorities can do.
“For a homeowner, the best route to take if you find a strange car on your drive is to calmly talk to the owner. If it becomes a recurrent problem, you may need to consider taking legal advice.”
The spokesperson added: “If you’re concerned, there are preventative measures you can take to restrict access to your drive.
“The easiest way is to install driveway parking posts. These will secure your parking area and restrict access to unauthorised vehicles. Other options include folding barriers which can be conveniently stored when they’re not in use and car park security posts.
“The one thing you should never do is take matters into your own hands if you have a persistent problem – you could end up being the one prosecuted.”