Selfish Neighbours Parking – What Can You Do?

Have you ever found yourself in a frustrating situation where your neighbours park their cars in a way that makes it difficult or even impossible for you to park your own car? This is a common issue and many people face ‘selfish neighbours parking.’

Maybe they park in front of your house or in a way that blocks your driveway, making it a real headache to get in and out of your own property.

If so, you’re definitely not alone.

I’m here to help you understand what selfish neighbours’ parking can include, why it’s a problem, and most importantly, what you can do about it.

Whether you’re dealing with this issue right now or you’re just curious about how to handle it in case it comes up in the future, you’ve come to the right place.

So let’s dive in and learn more about this frustrating problem of parking disputes with neighbours and how to solve it!

Understanding Selfish Neighbours Parking

Examples of selfish neighbours parking

Selfish neighbours parking or inconsiderate parking can be defined as when a neighbour parks their vehicle in a way that causes inconvenience or trouble for other neighbours.

There are several types of selfish neighbours parking, including:

1. Parking in front of someone else’s house: This is a common problem, especially in neighbourhoods where street parking is limited. When someone parks their car in front of your house regularly, it can be frustrating and make it difficult for you to park your own car.
2. Blocking a driveway: If someone parks their car in a way that blocks your driveway, you may not be able to get in or out of your own property. This is not only inconvenient, but it can also be dangerous in case of an emergency.
3. Parking SORN cars outside your house: Parking a SORN car on the road is illegal and is frustrating as sometimes the cars are left for long periods. I have a specific blog on what to do if you find a SORN car parked on your road that you can read here.
4. Taking up too much space: Sometimes, neighbours park their cars in a way that takes up more than one spot on the street. This can make it difficult for other neighbours to find a spot to park their own cars.
5. Parking on the pavement: If your neighbour parks their car on the pavement outside your house then you may struggle to safely walk on your street. I have a separate article all about neighbours parking on the pavement that you can read here.
6. Parking in a cul de sac turning point uk: If neighbours are parking in a cul de sac turning point this can make it difficult for drivers to turn around safely and for bin lorries to have sufficient space to collect bins.

However, even though these are examples of selfish neighbours parking it doesn’t mean the parking is illegal. If your neighbour isn’t breaking the law or creating a safety issue, then you may struggle to stop them from parking in this selfish manner.

For example, even though most people want to park outside their house, you don’t have the right unless it is a designated parking spot.

In general, these examples behaviour is considered selfish because it shows a lack of consideration for others.

Consequences of selfish neighbours parking

Selfish neighbours parking can have a variety of consequences, including:

1. Frustration and inconvenience for other neighbours.
2. Increased risk of accidents or emergency situations, especially if someone blocks a driveway.
3. Strained relationships with neighbours, which can make living in the neighbourhood unpleasant.

Sadly parking disputes with neighbours are very common in the UK.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of selfish neighbours parking, let’s move on to what you can do about it.

Dealing with Selfish Neighbours Parking

Step 1 – Communication with the neighbours

One of the first steps you can take when dealing with selfish neighbours parking is to talk to the neighbours directly.

Sometimes, people may not realise that their parking is causing problems for others, and a friendly conversation can help resolve the issue.

Be polite and respectful, and try to find a compromise that works for everyone.

I appreciate this is easier said than done as I know not all neighbours are reasonable or willing to communicate.

It is best to talk to your neighbour sooner than later to avoid parking disputes with neighbours.

Step 2 – Gather Evidence

I would recommend gathering evidence on your neighbours selfish parking, as this will be vital if you want to make a formal complaint.

It would be a good idea to have a Ring doorbell and a home security system where you can record the neighbours selfish parking. It is much easier to present video evidence than trying to put it into words.

In addition to the video evidence, you could also keep a written log, detailing each incident.

Step 3 – Reporting the issue to the authorities

If talking to the neighbours doesn’t work, you may need to escalate the issue by reporting it to the authorities.

This could mean contacting the police or your local authority to report illegal parking , blocking of a driveway or dangerous parking.

Keep in mind that this should be a last resort, as it may cause tension with your neighbours.

Step 4 – Legal options available

If the issue persists and becomes a serious problem, you may want to consider legal options.

This could include getting advice from a solicitor and you could request that they write to your neighbour (if they are breaking the law). However, this is a drastic step and should only be taken if all other options have been exhausted.

You can get quick and free quotes from solicitors via Bark.com. I have personally used Bark and I highly rate it.

Solicitors can also help you arrange mediation if appropriate.

It’s important to remember that dealing with selfish neighbours parking can be a difficult and sensitive issue, so it’s best to approach it with patience and understanding.

Preventing Selfish Neighbours Parking

Dealing with inconsiderate neighbours who disregard parking etiquette can be a frustrating experience. Constantly facing the challenge of finding parking spaces occupied by thoughtless individuals can disrupt daily routines and cause unnecessary stress.

Fortunately, there are proactive measures you can take to prevent selfish neighbours’ parking and foster a more considerate environment in your neighbourhood.

Here are some effective strategies and practical tips to discourage inconsiderate parking habits and promote respectful neighbourly behaviour.

Creating a parking agreement with neighbours

One way to prevent selfish neighbours parking is to create a parking agreement with your neighbours.

This could involve designating specific spots for each neighbour’s cars, rotating spots on a regular basis, or coming up with other creative solutions that work for everyone.

By establishing clear guidelines and expectations, you can reduce the likelihood of conflicts over parking.

This will only work if your neighbours are willing to communicate with you and come to an agreement.

Designating specific parking spots

Another option is to designate specific parking spots for each neighbour’s cars.

This helps ensure that each neighbour has their own spot, which can reduce the likelihood of parking conflicts.

Install Signage

Place visible signs, such as these from Amazon, in key areas to remind residents and visitors of parking regulations.

Clear signage can serve as a visual reminder to park considerately and discourage selfish parking behaviours.

Signs are particularly helpful if neighbours illegally block your drive.

Installing security cameras

Finally, you may want to consider installing security cameras, such as the Eufy home security cameras, in your neighbourhood to deter selfish neighbours from parking.

By having a visual record of who is parking where you can identify problem areas and work with your neighbours to come up with solutions.

Additionally, the presence of cameras may deter people from parking in a way that could cause conflicts.

By taking proactive steps to prevent selfish neighbours parking, you can help create a more harmonious and peaceful neighbourhood.

Remember, communication is key, so be sure to talk to your neighbours and work together to find solutions that work for everyone.

Final Thoughts About Selfish Neighbours Parking

Selfish neighbours parking can be a frustrating and challenging issue to deal with, but it’s important to remember that there are steps you can take to address it.

By understanding the different types of selfish neighbours parking, the potential consequences, and the different ways to prevent and deal with it, you can hopefully avoid parking neighbour disputes escalating.

Remember, communication is key when dealing with selfish neighbours parking.

Try to approach the issue in a polite and respectful way, and look for solutions that work for everyone. By working together, you can help ensure that everyone in the neighbourhood has access to safe and convenient parking.

If all else fails, there are legal options available, but these should only be used as a last resort.

Keep in mind that the goal is to resolve conflicts and create a positive environment for everyone in the neighbourhood.

In conclusion, dealing with selfish neighbours parking can be a challenge, but with patience, understanding, and proactive measures, you can work towards a resolution.

There is some further information on the Metropolitan Police website.