My neighbour constantly uses my driveway to park their car without my permission – what are my rights?
ARGUMENTS over parking spaces can often cause tempers to fray between neighbours, particularly if someone has left their car blocking your driveway.
To avoid any unnecessary confrontation if you come home and find another car in your space, it helps if you know your rights on what you can and can't do.
Here's everything you need to know.
The most positive way to approach the situation in the first instance is to attempt to communicate with your neighbour in a cool and calm way.
If you instantly become angry and aggressive, then things can easily escalate out of control.
Leave a note instead if you are worried about approaching them or they are not home.
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If someone is parked on your driveway and this land is part of your property then the neighbour is technically trespassing.
However, there is no criminal law preventing someone from parking on your driveway, so this would be considered a civil offence.
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The courts have the jurisdiction to remove the car from the driveway for you if you choose to pursue a civil case for trespassing.
Dan Powell, senior editor at motoring consumer advocacy website, told : "You can pursue a civil case for trespassing, but this can be a long and potentially expensive option.
"In general, it’s always best to try and resolve issues like this with your neighbours first.
"If they’re blocking access to your driveway or causing an obstruction, then you can speak to them about moving their car. The police have no power to make arrests.
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"If the vehicle is untaxed, unroadworthy, missing number plates, this can be reported to your local council which has a duty to remove abandoned vehicles."
But if you suspect the car has been abandoned then your local council can get involved.
Don't try and remove the vehicle yourself because if you cause damages you will have to fork out for repairs.
Another option is to pursue a legal claim for nuisance behaviour on the grounds that the driver is interfering with your property.
If you want to stop people from parking on your drive you could also choose to put up a fence, gate or bollards.