Motorists may have no options but to install bollards outside their homes to prevent falling foul of a simple driveway loophole. Many road users are unaware that law enforcement can do little to stop other individuals from parking on a personal property.
Someone else stopping on a driveway is viewed by the authorities as trespassing and is strictly a civil matter. The police and local councillors will have little jurisdiction in removing vehicles, leading to a difficult battle for homeowners and tenants. A spokesperson for The Workplace Depot stressed prevention before a vehicle was parked on a drive is likely the only option to ensure road users are not affected.
It means motorists could be forced to install parking posts, bollards and fences around their driveway to stop their land from being taken over.
An expert at The Workplace Depot said: “If you’re concerned, there are preventative measures you can take to restrict access to your drive.
“The easiest way is to install driveway parking posts. These will secure your parking area and restrict access to unauthorised vehicles.
“Other options include folding barriers which can be conveniently stored when they’re not in use and car park security posts.”
Experts have also encouraged homeowners to consider installing a gate to the property which could act as a deterrent.
Meanwhile, individuals should also get into the habit of installing cameras if they have recurring problems.
However, specialists have explained road users should never take action into their own hands and force a car off the drive as homeowners could then get into trouble for damage to property.
The Workplace Depot added: “Nobody wants to come home and see a stranger’s car on the drive but this bizarre legal loophole allows that to happen.
“For most of us it’s unlikely to be a problem, but if you live in an area where parking can be difficult like close to a busy hospital or in a town or city centre, then there is technically nothing to stop a motorist parking on your drive.
“Because this isn’t deemed as breaking the law and is seen as a civil matter, there’s very little the authorities can do.
“For a homeowner, the best route to take if you find a strange car on your drive is to calmly talk to the owner. If it becomes a recurrent problem, you may need to consider taking legal advice.”