UK drivers are being warned to be vigilant about their driveways, as unnoticed errors could result in a hefty £100 penalty or, worse, invalidate their car insurance.
Overlooking the state of your driveway can prove costly, with potential for accidents and insurance issues due to obscured hazards or deterioration that can stress your tyres, leading to charges and mechanical woes.
Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, said: “People often forget about driveway maintenance when looking after their car, but it’s usually the first place where small issues start to appear.”
He added: “If you’ve got oil leaks, worn tyres, or clutter piling up, it can lead to bigger issues down the line. A clean, organised driveway helps protect your vehicle, avoids potential legal trouble and makes summer driving that little bit smoother.”
Cleaning oil and fluid stains
Residual oil or other fluids may accumulate from a stationary car over time. Neglecting such spills can turn them into slipping hazards or cause lasting damage to the driveway material.
For set-in stains, a designated driveway cleaner or degreaser is effective, while recent spills can be tackled with household items like bicarbonate of soda, dish soap, or surprisingly, cat litter.
Additionally, repairing any surface dangers, such as loose gravel or misaligned paving slabs, is essential as they can cause premature tyre wear.
Avoid clutter to dodge legal woes
You might be taken aback, but a cluttered or overfilled driveway could lead to a fine, especially if items or parked vehicles encroach onto public walkways or obstruct other road users’ view.
UK legislation stipulates that vehicles must not block pavements or park in a manner that causes inconvenience or hazard. If your driveway is brimming and cars are protruding onto the road, you could face a Penalty Charge Notice of up to £100, subject to your local council’s rules.
Nonetheless, this can be circumvented by ensuring all cars are fully parked within your property boundaries and not overlapping kerbs or verges. If your home has more vehicles than parking space, contemplate applying for resident permits or alternating parking arrangements to comply with regulations.
Inspect drainage and surface state
Despite summer typically bringing drier conditions, inadequate drainage or fractured surfaces can still pose issues, particularly when coupled with heat and tyre friction during the warmer months.
To maintain safety, remove debris from drains and repair any cracks or holes that may have formed over winter, as these can deteriorate with regular use.
Eliminate weeds to safeguard your tyres
Weeds might appear to be merely an aesthetic concern, but if neglected, they can harm your driveway’s surface. Sprouting between slabs and in crevices, they expand gaps and undermine the structure, resulting in an uneven surface that puts strain on your tyres and suspension.
Weeds can trap moisture, fostering moss and algae growth that create slippery hazards. To manage this, regularly weed or apply an appropriate weed killer that won’t damage your driveway.
Regular sweeping is also recommended to prevent new seeds from germinating, and consider using a sealant if cracks have formed.
Don’t jeopardise your insurance
A neglected driveway isn’t just a threat to your vehicle; it could also compromise your insurance. If your car suffers damage due to loose gravel or oil spills on your property, insurers may attribute the problem to neglect and reject your claim.
Likewise, if your policy specifies that your vehicle is kept in a secure driveway but it’s actually parked on an unsafe or deteriorated surface, this could be construed as misrepresentation and impact your coverage.
To avoid such issues, ensure your driveway is maintained in a safe condition and aligns with the details you’ve provided to your insurer. This simple measure could prove crucial should you ever need to make a claim.
