Parking a stranger's vehicle in your driveway is not necessarily an offense that police can immediately address due to a specific loophole in the Highway Code.
In the UK, parking a vehicle on a private driveway is considered trespass, and taking matters into your own hands could potentially lead to prosecution. Local authorities are unlikely to intervene in such cases, and the police cannot legally remove a vehicle parked on a private driveway.
If you find yourself dealing with an unauthorised vehicle on your driveway, the best approach is to talk to the vehicle owner calmly. However, if the issue persists, you might want to consider preventative measures.
For instance, you could install driveway parking posts or folding barriers to secure your parking area. These can be purchased from various retailers, including Amazon, The Workplace Depot, and B&Q. Alternatively, driveway gates are also available for different budgets, with Travis Perkins and Amazon offering options.
If gates are not suitable, parking posts and bollards can be used to restrict access to your driveway. These physical barriers can deter unauthorised parking and help maintain the security of your property.
In some cases, recurrent problems may require legal advice. The Workplace Depot suggests documenting each incident of unauthorised parking with photos and notes of dates and times, and filing a claim for trespassing or seeking an injunction as a last resort.
It's important to note that damaging or clamping a vehicle on a private driveway without seeking legal advice is not advised. This could lead to liability for vehicle repairs and potential legal issues.
Lastly, installing cameras can help monitor and address recurring unauthorised parking issues. However, it's essential to comply with local laws and regulations regarding surveillance and privacy.
By understanding your rights and taking appropriate measures, you can effectively manage unauthorised parking on your private driveway.
