In a scenario where uninvited cars continually occupy private driveways, homeowners may wonder about the appropriate course of action. The question arises: does the Highway Code address this issue, or should it be handled by law enforcement? The latest revision of the Highway Code, introduced last year, establishes a “hierarchy of road users” that emphasises the responsibility of larger vehicles to safeguard more vulnerable road users. Sections from Rules 239 to 252 of the Code outline parking guidelines, with Rule 243 explicitly stating that drivers should not park “in front of an entrance to a property.”
Despite this provision, parking on someone else’s driveway without permission is not classified as a criminal offence under current law. The recommended approach for homeowners facing this situation is to seek an amicable resolution by politely asking the driver to move or leaving a note on the windscreen in case the owner is not immediately available. Trespassing onto private land, which includes unauthorised parking, is considered a civil dispute rather than a criminal matter, and police intervention in such cases is rare.
Local authorities, however, may intervene to remove abandoned vehicles parked on private driveways. In instances where a homeowner finds their driveway obstructed, it is important to note that the obstruction could result in a penalty for the offending driver. Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) powers empower local councils to issue fines for vehicles that impede entry or exit access.
Guidance from Ask The Police advises homeowners to inquire with neighbours to identify the car owner and request them to move the vehicle blocking the driveway. Council-enforced Civil Parking Enforcement specifies that parking a vehicle obstructing a dropped kerb driveway constitutes an offence. Enforcement procedures can vary based on local council policies and may involve reporting to the council or contacting local authorities in the absence of council-enforced CPE regulations. Police or council responses to driveway parking incidents may vary, with some forces prioritising cases where blocked access prevents a homeowner from leaving their property.