Police confirm rule on what happens when a car blocks your driveway
Police have issued their verdict on the frustrating issue.
A car blocking your driveway unlocks a frustration from deep within. Almost certainly, it will happen when you are already running late, have an important meeting, or it is hammering down with rain. While the first port of call is to try and locate the driver, police have confirmed your rights if they simply won't move. It turns out that police are usually the last resort. In most cases, you should file the complaint with your local council first.
"If the vehicle is blocking access to your driveway you should first make enquiries with the neighbours to see if they know who the car belongs to, so they can move it," the police advised, when questioned on the official ‘ask the police’ website, administered by forces around the UK.
However, if this fails, they confirmed that in most areas local councils have now taken responsibility for enforcing parking provisions under what is called Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE).
"Under CPE, it's an offence to park a vehicle that blocks a dropped kerb driveway. You can check if your local council has taken on CPE via the link here: GOV.UK - CPE List
"If your council has taken on CPE, you will usually need to report vehicles that are obstructing a dropped kerb directly to them – you can contact them via the link below: GOV.UK - Find your local council."
If the council has not taken on the responsibility for CPE, then you will need to contact your local force, but they will only act in certain circumstances.
"The police/council policy for dealing with such matters may vary between forces/councils. Some police forces may only attend if your car has been blocked in and you cannot get out," they said.
The rules also vary if someone parks directly on your driveway, rather than blocking the exit.
A police spokesperson said: "If someone parks their vehicle on your driveway without your permission, this is trespassing. This is a civil dispute and not something we can help you with.
"If it happens repeatedly with the same person / vehicle you might want to seek advice from Citizens Advice or a solicitor, but we would always recommend having a polite word with the driver first, as there may have been a simple misunderstanding."
