Parking problems are some of the most common arguments between neighbours, but one homeowner couldn’t believe the entitled reason their neighbour used to explain blocking a driveway that did not belong to them.
A retired homeowner shared their story on Reddit, describing how their neighbour had repeatedly parked in a way that blocked access to their driveway. In the post, they said: “They routinely overhang our dropped kerb driveway considerably, and we have issues with them inviting their guests to park across it entirely.”
Hoping to resolve the issue peacefully, the Reddit user, known as Greedy-Tutor3824, said they knocked on the neighbour’s door. Instead, they claimed their neighbour was “extremely rude” and claim that there’s a reason they feel allowed to use the driveway.
The Reddit user continued: “We have a double driveway, which is being fully used, and they have a single driveway with a front garden. [The neighbour] insists they can park across our driveway because the dropped kerb overhangs their ‘property line’.
“They insist that they can park there because of the ‘property line,’ which I’m quite certain is a non-factor. They got hostile and started saying it was ‘inconsiderate’ when we parked across our own dropped kerb.
View 3 ImagesParking rows are one of the most common neighbourhood disputes (stock)(Image: Hasselblad X1D)
The homeowner felt that the entire situation could be sorted if they would park a couple of feet back, leaving enough space between their car and the dropped kerb. They said: “[This] would still leave them more than enough room to get their car off of the drive without issue.”
Plenty of Reddit users had opinions, and said the neighbour’s response was the most astonishing part of the incident. Some suggested recording future issues and contacting the local authority if the problem persisted.
Others warned against taking matters into their own hands, noting that damaging or blocking another person’s vehicle could lead to additional legal complications. According to guidance issued by various local councils, it’s typically an offence to park across a lowered kerb in a manner that stops a homeowner from reaching the road from their driveway.
View 3 ImagesParking rows are one of the most common neighbourhood disputes (stock)(Image: Getty Images)
Authorities in parts of the UK where parking enforcement powers are in effect can frequently issue penalty charge notices to vehicles parked next to dropped kerbs.
Salford City Council confirms that it’s an offence to park across a dropped kerb where it blocks a resident’s access to the public highway. The council also highlights that if a vehicle stops someone from leaving their driveway completely, the matter can escalate to a police concern.
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Newcastle City Council likewise states that local authorities have the power to enforce dropped kerb restrictions without requiring road markings or signage. The council explains that the rules are applicable where lowered kerbs offer access between a driveway and the road.
Certain councils also provide advisory white “H-bar” markings in front of driveways to deter obstruction. But, authorities add that these markings are purely advisory and do not establish parking restrictions on their own.