What to do if someone parks in your allocated space?
Discussion
I haven't personally had any real issues as yet, but there's always a possibility as it's constantly happening to our neighbour.
Basically, we live on an end terrace of a newish build in a village, and out the back there is a courtyard which contains the parking spaces allocated to the houses in the terrace (2 for each house).
The neighbours are often in and out regularly and quite often a stranger will turn up visiting one of the other houses in the street and will help themselves to their spaces. I don't believe that's it's always done maliciously as when we viewed the house with an eye to move here we also thought they were just parking spaces there to be used at first. Although in some cases I think some people are just inconsiderate and know fine well they're doing it.
My neighbours reaction is usually to block their car in, although he seems to manage to do it in such a way that the car can get out, but makes it extremely difficult for them nonetheless.
Quite a few times now I've witnessed the owners of blocked in cars perform some crazy manoeuvres to try and get out without having to go and knock on the neighbour. On a couple of occasions I've told the neighbour as it looks like they may end up damaging the car.
Now it happens to us but much more rarely due to our spaces being tucked away in the corner. Where my car is parked though, if I were to block someone in, because it's right in the corner, there is literally no way they could get out.
However I'm conscious that some people will try anything to get away without knocking. I also get the impression there's the odd person who would probably kick off, and I can do without people kicking off with me outside my home for obvious reasons.
I've googled it and it would appear the law suggests that blocking cars in could be illegal as it's blocking access to the public highway?
Just curious as to what the best course of action is to deal with these folks. My hunch is just to park elsewhere on the street (there are usually spaces to park) and just wait until they leave, but just wondering what my rights are (if any).
Basically, we live on an end terrace of a newish build in a village, and out the back there is a courtyard which contains the parking spaces allocated to the houses in the terrace (2 for each house).
The neighbours are often in and out regularly and quite often a stranger will turn up visiting one of the other houses in the street and will help themselves to their spaces. I don't believe that's it's always done maliciously as when we viewed the house with an eye to move here we also thought they were just parking spaces there to be used at first. Although in some cases I think some people are just inconsiderate and know fine well they're doing it.
My neighbours reaction is usually to block their car in, although he seems to manage to do it in such a way that the car can get out, but makes it extremely difficult for them nonetheless.
Quite a few times now I've witnessed the owners of blocked in cars perform some crazy manoeuvres to try and get out without having to go and knock on the neighbour. On a couple of occasions I've told the neighbour as it looks like they may end up damaging the car.
Now it happens to us but much more rarely due to our spaces being tucked away in the corner. Where my car is parked though, if I were to block someone in, because it's right in the corner, there is literally no way they could get out.
However I'm conscious that some people will try anything to get away without knocking. I also get the impression there's the odd person who would probably kick off, and I can do without people kicking off with me outside my home for obvious reasons.
I've googled it and it would appear the law suggests that blocking cars in could be illegal as it's blocking access to the public highway?
Just curious as to what the best course of action is to deal with these folks. My hunch is just to park elsewhere on the street (there are usually spaces to park) and just wait until they leave, but just wondering what my rights are (if any).
Is it private land? Traffic laws don't apply the same way if it's a private carpark. If it isn't a private carpark then the spaces cannot be allocated.
So do what you like vis-a-vis the traffic rules.
I used to get people parking outside my business premises. Not often, only 2 or 3 times in 7 years. I moved the cars using wheel dollys and left them wherever I fancied.
I'd say in this case where you can't be sure whether people care or not that you should consider putting up signs noting specifically that the spaces are allocated and you require the homeowners permission to use the spaces.
While it's a grey area you can't really be sure of how to approach anyone who does use your space without permission. If you have signs up then it would be more difficult for anybody to argue they didn't know or whatever.
So do what you like vis-a-vis the traffic rules.
I used to get people parking outside my business premises. Not often, only 2 or 3 times in 7 years. I moved the cars using wheel dollys and left them wherever I fancied.
I'd say in this case where you can't be sure whether people care or not that you should consider putting up signs noting specifically that the spaces are allocated and you require the homeowners permission to use the spaces.
While it's a grey area you can't really be sure of how to approach anyone who does use your space without permission. If you have signs up then it would be more difficult for anybody to argue they didn't know or whatever.
ingenieur said:
Is it private land? Traffic laws don't apply the same way if it's a private carpark. If it isn't a private carpark then the spaces cannot be allocated.
So do what you like vis-a-vis the traffic rules.
I used to get people parking outside my business premises. Not often, only 2 or 3 times in 7 years. I moved the cars using wheel dollys and left them wherever I fancied.
I'd say in this case where you can't be sure whether people care or not that you should consider putting up signs noting specifically that the spaces are allocated and you require the homeowners permission to use the spaces.
While it's a grey area you can't really be sure of how to approach anyone who does use your space without permission. If you have signs up then it would be more difficult for anybody to argue they didn't know or whatever.
I'm not completely sure if it's private land, but it's easily accessible from the street and the purpose of the courtyard is for residents parking.So do what you like vis-a-vis the traffic rules.
I used to get people parking outside my business premises. Not often, only 2 or 3 times in 7 years. I moved the cars using wheel dollys and left them wherever I fancied.
I'd say in this case where you can't be sure whether people care or not that you should consider putting up signs noting specifically that the spaces are allocated and you require the homeowners permission to use the spaces.
While it's a grey area you can't really be sure of how to approach anyone who does use your space without permission. If you have signs up then it would be more difficult for anybody to argue they didn't know or whatever.
Towing the cars away would be quite amusing but not really practical for me
If it ever becomes a real issue then it looks like signs should be the first option to try.
I just feel a bit sorry for the neighbour as it seems to happen to him every week. I think the main reason it doesn't happen to us more is we WFH so we're not out in the cars a lot, and when we are, it tends to be for a significant period of time, so if it does happen we probably don't notice. I do see people parking in Mrs TRDs space when she's out from time to time, and they're usually gone by the time she gets back, if I catch them doing it I'll chase them but it's rare I catch them.
Monkeylegend said:
I would use the passive aggressive approach and on the sign write,
"If I have unintentionally blocked you in please knock on No2 so I can let you out of my allocated parking space. If it is after 10pm please wait until morning before knocking"
That should sort it.
"If I have unintentionally blocked you in please knock on No2 so I can let you out of my allocated parking space. If it is after 10pm please wait until morning before knocking"
That should sort it.
I like that!
Is the parking space on private land and is the access road to the space also private?
I have similar issues with my allocated space as it's right next to the block entrance. I took to blocking people in and waiting for them to come to their car and one called the police instead of knocking on doors. The officer came round (a miracle round here!) and told the driver it was a private matter as the space and access road was private, only the main road round the estate is owned by the council. I use this info when a repeat offender, a regular visitor to a neighbour, left their car in my place one too many times and I blocked them in. I used to cycle to work so the car wouldn't move for days at a time so it stayed blocked in for four days. They knew where I lived but refused to knock and ask me to move (neighbour told me they were fuming but didn't want to have to ask!) so they had to leave their car there and get the bus to work. The neighbour they were visiting found it hilarious as they have warned their friend to use the communal parking in the square 100m away on numerous occasions. It was even funnier when I did use the car for a few hours and they didn't come and move theirs despite the neighbour calling them, parked my car back blocking them in but facing the other way. They live a mile away so plenty of time to walk and drive away but no, they were being stubborn. Didn't use my car again for another 3 days so they were stuck there for a week. They have parked in my space since too but as I now drive to work they got their car back the next day.
I've also had someone park in my space for a fortnight while they went on holiday. Their cousin had said they could use their space while they were also away and they used the wrong one. I let them out though as they were back at 2am after a long flight and bus ride to the estate and were massively apologetic when they realised their mistake. They popped round with a selection of biscuits and cake next time they visited their cousin!
I have similar issues with my allocated space as it's right next to the block entrance. I took to blocking people in and waiting for them to come to their car and one called the police instead of knocking on doors. The officer came round (a miracle round here!) and told the driver it was a private matter as the space and access road was private, only the main road round the estate is owned by the council. I use this info when a repeat offender, a regular visitor to a neighbour, left their car in my place one too many times and I blocked them in. I used to cycle to work so the car wouldn't move for days at a time so it stayed blocked in for four days. They knew where I lived but refused to knock and ask me to move (neighbour told me they were fuming but didn't want to have to ask!) so they had to leave their car there and get the bus to work. The neighbour they were visiting found it hilarious as they have warned their friend to use the communal parking in the square 100m away on numerous occasions. It was even funnier when I did use the car for a few hours and they didn't come and move theirs despite the neighbour calling them, parked my car back blocking them in but facing the other way. They live a mile away so plenty of time to walk and drive away but no, they were being stubborn. Didn't use my car again for another 3 days so they were stuck there for a week. They have parked in my space since too but as I now drive to work they got their car back the next day.
I've also had someone park in my space for a fortnight while they went on holiday. Their cousin had said they could use their space while they were also away and they used the wrong one. I let them out though as they were back at 2am after a long flight and bus ride to the estate and were massively apologetic when they realised their mistake. They popped round with a selection of biscuits and cake next time they visited their cousin!
Monkeylegend said:
I would use the passive aggressive approach and on the sign write,
"If I have unintentionally blocked you in please knock on No2 so I can let you out of my allocated parking space. If there is no answer I may be travelling but will usually return within 1-2 weeks"
That should sort it.
FTFY"If I have unintentionally blocked you in please knock on No2 so I can let you out of my allocated parking space. If there is no answer I may be travelling but will usually return within 1-2 weeks"
That should sort it.
Spent a few years living in a village where one entire estate is Ex-army houses. Council never adopted the roads so it's all private. They have numbered, allocated bays which also show on the land registry as the house also owns the parking space.
We moved 6 years ago but remain on the FB group as the 3-5 posts a week saying "please move out of my parking space" usually end up in an amusing FB thread. You can see by the image there is no way to block them in and no solution found except for a bollard.
as others, is it private or public? Your space by law? rented? on your deeds?
We moved 6 years ago but remain on the FB group as the 3-5 posts a week saying "please move out of my parking space" usually end up in an amusing FB thread. You can see by the image there is no way to block them in and no solution found except for a bollard.
as others, is it private or public? Your space by law? rented? on your deeds?
CRA1G said:
If things ever get too bad then this will be the solution!aterribleusername said:
Is the parking space on private land and is the access road to the space also private?
I have similar issues with my allocated space as it's right next to the block entrance. I took to blocking people in and waiting for them to come to their car and one called the police instead of knocking on doors. The officer came round (a miracle round here!) and told the driver it was a private matter as the space and access road was private, only the main road round the estate is owned by the council. I use this info when a repeat offender, a regular visitor to a neighbour, left their car in my place one too many times and I blocked them in. I used to cycle to work so the car wouldn't move for days at a time so it stayed blocked in for four days. They knew where I lived but refused to knock and ask me to move (neighbour told me they were fuming but didn't want to have to ask!) so they had to leave their car there and get the bus to work. The neighbour they were visiting found it hilarious as they have warned their friend to use the communal parking in the square 100m away on numerous occasions. It was even funnier when I did use the car for a few hours and they didn't come and move theirs despite the neighbour calling them, parked my car back blocking them in but facing the other way. They live a mile away so plenty of time to walk and drive away but no, they were being stubborn. Didn't use my car again for another 3 days so they were stuck there for a week. They have parked in my space since too but as I now drive to work they got their car back the next day.
I've also had someone park in my space for a fortnight while they went on holiday. Their cousin had said they could use their space while they were also away and they used the wrong one. I let them out though as they were back at 2am after a long flight and bus ride to the estate and were massively apologetic when they realised their mistake. They popped round with a selection of biscuits and cake next time they visited their cousin!
The access road is public, not sure about the courtyard itself, I'd assume it was private, but it's very open and just looks like a small car park.I have similar issues with my allocated space as it's right next to the block entrance. I took to blocking people in and waiting for them to come to their car and one called the police instead of knocking on doors. The officer came round (a miracle round here!) and told the driver it was a private matter as the space and access road was private, only the main road round the estate is owned by the council. I use this info when a repeat offender, a regular visitor to a neighbour, left their car in my place one too many times and I blocked them in. I used to cycle to work so the car wouldn't move for days at a time so it stayed blocked in for four days. They knew where I lived but refused to knock and ask me to move (neighbour told me they were fuming but didn't want to have to ask!) so they had to leave their car there and get the bus to work. The neighbour they were visiting found it hilarious as they have warned their friend to use the communal parking in the square 100m away on numerous occasions. It was even funnier when I did use the car for a few hours and they didn't come and move theirs despite the neighbour calling them, parked my car back blocking them in but facing the other way. They live a mile away so plenty of time to walk and drive away but no, they were being stubborn. Didn't use my car again for another 3 days so they were stuck there for a week. They have parked in my space since too but as I now drive to work they got their car back the next day.
I've also had someone park in my space for a fortnight while they went on holiday. Their cousin had said they could use their space while they were also away and they used the wrong one. I let them out though as they were back at 2am after a long flight and bus ride to the estate and were massively apologetic when they realised their mistake. They popped round with a selection of biscuits and cake next time they visited their cousin!
As for the rest of your story
oh dear! I love the way they STILL parked in your space even after being blocked in for an extended period of time.
I'm in Newcastle city centre, allocated parking, marked bays, big signs saying residents parking only. Used to get the same problems very regularly, and after a while you get past caring about the reaction of the offender.
I came back from Southampton one afternoon to find an Audi in the only space I had at the time, so blocked it in well enough that there was no escape, and waited for the inevitable phone call ( signwritten van at the time ). Call duly came in, I went out, to find two lads outside, and wondered if I might regret what I knew was going to happen next. Asked him if he knew me, obvs didn't, so asked who had said it was ok to take my space. The match had been on, I live next to the ground, and he had just parked in the nearest place he could. I'd just driven 335 miles, was in a filthy temper, and told him he could get the bus home and I'd ring him when I was ready to move. But that wouldn't be before the following day. He was as furious as me, but I wouldn't budge and he left.
Actions have consequences, I always try and inconvenience people who do the same to me. It's the same as me driving to their house and parking on their drive, why would anyone think that's ok.
Interestingly, more in hope than expectation, I bought some red and white no parking signs, mounted them on poles, and put them in at the end of the bays I own, and against all odds, it's made a lot of difference.
Good luck with it op, I think you're in the same sort of general area as me, maybe more the outskirts?
I came back from Southampton one afternoon to find an Audi in the only space I had at the time, so blocked it in well enough that there was no escape, and waited for the inevitable phone call ( signwritten van at the time ). Call duly came in, I went out, to find two lads outside, and wondered if I might regret what I knew was going to happen next. Asked him if he knew me, obvs didn't, so asked who had said it was ok to take my space. The match had been on, I live next to the ground, and he had just parked in the nearest place he could. I'd just driven 335 miles, was in a filthy temper, and told him he could get the bus home and I'd ring him when I was ready to move. But that wouldn't be before the following day. He was as furious as me, but I wouldn't budge and he left.
Actions have consequences, I always try and inconvenience people who do the same to me. It's the same as me driving to their house and parking on their drive, why would anyone think that's ok.
Interestingly, more in hope than expectation, I bought some red and white no parking signs, mounted them on poles, and put them in at the end of the bays I own, and against all odds, it's made a lot of difference.
Good luck with it op, I think you're in the same sort of general area as me, maybe more the outskirts?
Heaveho said:
I'm in Newcastle city centre, allocated parking, marked bays, big signs saying residents parking only. Used to get the same problems very regularly, and after a while you get past caring about the reaction of the offender.
I came back from Southampton one afternoon to find an Audi in the only space I had at the time, so blocked it in well enough that there was no escape, and waited for the inevitable phone call ( signwritten van at the time ). Call duly came in, I went out, to find two lads outside, and wondered if I might regret what I knew was going to happen next. Asked him if he knew me, obvs didn't, so asked who had said it was ok to take my space. The match had been on, I live next to the ground, and he had just parked in the nearest place he could. I'd just driven 335 miles, was in a filthy temper, and told him he could get the bus home and I'd ring him when I was ready to move. But that wouldn't be before the following day. He was as furious as me, but I wouldn't budge and he left.
Actions have consequences, I always try and inconvenience people who do the same to me. It's the same as me driving to their house and parking on their drive, why would anyone think that's ok.
Interestingly, more in hope than expectation, I bought some red and white no parking signs, mounted them on poles, and put them in at the end of the bays I own, and against all odds, it's made a lot of difference.
Good luck with it op, I think you're in the same sort of general area as me, maybe more the outskirts?
Cheers, thankfully it's not a huge problem for me, yet, this was just more of a general posting as I'd seen something on reddit about something similar, and it made me wonder. Aye we are in a similar area, but I'm 9 miles outside, just about in the sticks, although I had similar issues where I used to live in Dunston when I lived there a few years back.I came back from Southampton one afternoon to find an Audi in the only space I had at the time, so blocked it in well enough that there was no escape, and waited for the inevitable phone call ( signwritten van at the time ). Call duly came in, I went out, to find two lads outside, and wondered if I might regret what I knew was going to happen next. Asked him if he knew me, obvs didn't, so asked who had said it was ok to take my space. The match had been on, I live next to the ground, and he had just parked in the nearest place he could. I'd just driven 335 miles, was in a filthy temper, and told him he could get the bus home and I'd ring him when I was ready to move. But that wouldn't be before the following day. He was as furious as me, but I wouldn't budge and he left.
Actions have consequences, I always try and inconvenience people who do the same to me. It's the same as me driving to their house and parking on their drive, why would anyone think that's ok.
Interestingly, more in hope than expectation, I bought some red and white no parking signs, mounted them on poles, and put them in at the end of the bays I own, and against all odds, it's made a lot of difference.
Good luck with it op, I think you're in the same sort of general area as me, maybe more the outskirts?
TameRacingDriver said:
Cheers, thankfully it's not a huge problem for me, yet, this was just more of a general posting as I'd seen something on reddit about something similar, and it made me wonder. Aye we are in a similar area, but I'm 9 miles outside, just about in the sticks, although I had similar issues where I used to live in Dunston when I lived there a few years back.
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