Page 3 | Parking issues

pollypocke · 2024-04-09T17:50:58+00:00

Hi all, For a bit of context, I live on a row of 6 town houses (double fronted terraces) there are another 6 on the opposite side. The lady who lives on the end house on the opposite side has a driveway, no other houses have driveways apart from the end ones. There is a concrete bollard to mark where her driveway starts so no one can block it by parking over the driveway. My OH has a work van (not huge) and one night parked it outside of her house and about a meter away from the concrete bollard. She came over and knocked on our door and asked my OH to move his van because she couldn't see the road coming out of her driveway. He did the first time she asked as he was being polite but when he parked there again she came knocking again and asked him to reverse back away from the concrete bollard so she'd be able to see better. Bear in mind there is limited parking on our street and if OH had reversed he'd be taking up 2 spaces which hardly seems fair given the lady has her own driveway. Anyway, my OH refused to move his van the second time but was very polite and just said he didn't want to take up 2 spaces. She went off in a huff and was clearly annoyed. So now, she parks her own car outside of her house but just far enough away from the concrete bollard that no one else can park in front of her and her partner still parks on their drive. Their drive is big enough for 3 cars and originally they always parked their cars on the drive. My OH wasn't malicious or mardy, he simply said if there was no other space on the street then he'd carry on parking the way he has because he's not done anything wrong but this seems to have not been good enough so she's made sure he can't park there by parking her own car there even though she has her own drive. AIBU to think this is a bit much, considering my OH wasn't breaking any rules and was parked perfectly legally YABU - He should just take up 2 spaces so she has more space to see

Original poster

pollypocke · 10/04/2024 17:42

My OHs van doesn't exceed 2500kg weight, it's an empty open back van.
Yeah I'll start writing down all the reg plates of every car owner I see parked at an inconvenience to someone else and take it to the council or police, I'm sure they've budgeted for that!
Honestly, I agree with you that it's obstructive and it's a pain in the arse but she isn't 'pulling out blind' into oncoming traffic. If you saw the road you'd see what I mean, it's a long straight road, she can see the road before she even passes OH's van

OP posts:

LighthouseTheme · 10/04/2024 17:42

I'm with you OP, and your OH. So no, YANBU.
It's shame that the visibility is limited, but there are ways other than having an unrestricted view, to be able to see if something might be approaching, including listening. And getting off the drive slowly, and preferably forwards.

Some of the people here should try on for size having entitled, selfish and short-sighted neighbours! Or try living where I do! Although I do have an issue with a selfish, nasty man with a LWB high to Cadent van, who blocks the frontage of two small houses (terraces). With their massive SUV, they take up the front of four houses, and will never move if asked, even if temporarily.

And it's not really anything to do with location, or "class". I used to live in a "sought-after rural village", and (back then) had to have the Police come out more than once for stupid senseless trouble-causing - by people who by the way, couldn't stand cockerel s crowing, the other noises from a farm, and banned horses from taking one entrance to the farm (block-paved) when their houses were built on land that the farm had been on!
(They also blocked off the Bridleway that ran along the back of their large gardens.)

Mumsnet can be so contrary sometimes. Expect nothing, is my motto these days.

catscalledbeanz · 10/04/2024 17:39

The world does not revolve around driveway owners, true. But in the same vein drive way owners are no more obliged to park in their driveway than your husband is obliged to not park near their driveway. Your neighbor had a problem , she's solved it. She now parks on the street as she (as you are very keen to point out in relation to your dh) is legally allowed to do.🤷‍♀️

If your dh isn't a twat for parking on the street legally, your neighbor isn't a twat for parking on the street legally.

Original poster

pollypocke · 10/04/2024 17:38

Y'all have honestly baffled me 😂 I thought how can she have a leg to stand on when he's parked perfectly legally on a public street!
I thought you'd all agree with me!! 🤣🤣
I'll let my OH know he's an inconsiderate A-hole.
Thanks all for your input and insights! 🙂

OP posts:

ButWhatAboutTheBees · 10/04/2024 17:36

Ah one of those OPs
OP: AIBU?
PP: Yes. Very
OP: You're wrong and I'm going to be more unreasonable

He was already asked once not to park there. Continuing to do so was a dick move

He would take up two spaces regardless with how you've described it

Do you have a car? Maybe you should swap spaces with him if you do, so when he comes back you move the car.

The lady may have been involved in a crash before due to restricted visibility and be more cautious. Regardless SHE feels unsafe driving off because her vision is lacking. You and your OH should respect that

INeedAnotherName · 10/04/2024 17:36

pollypocke · 10/04/2024 17:11

The amount of times I've had to pull out of junctions/roundabouts and driveways when there's been an obstructed view is almost every time I go out! Surely you don't live somewhere where no one parks their cars on the road and you can see clearly without any obstruction on a regular journey?
It's part of bloody driving.

Show quote history

Highway Code Rule 250
Cars, goods vehicles not exceeding 2500 kg laden weight, invalid carriages, motorcycles and pedal cycles may be parked without lights on a road (or lay-by) with a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h) or less if they are:
at least 10 metres (32 feet) away from any junction,

No, it's not part of bloody driving because it is dangerous. Start reporting those who are obstructing your visibility at junctions, you might save a life.

fieldsofbutterflies · 10/04/2024 17:32

https://www.mysociety.org/wehelpyou/report-illegal-parking/

Let your local council know about bad parking, cars that block pedestrian access, or which create a danger for others.

SoupDragon · 10/04/2024 17:30

Just because you can do something doesn't necessarily mean that you should.

People with large vehicles, especially those that cause visibility issues like a van, should be more considerate of other road users.

fieldsofbutterflies · 10/04/2024 17:29

Her view is slightly obstructed by his van, but who says it isn't safe? Surely if she thought it wasn't safe she'd report it.

As it's her view he's obstructing, surely she's the one who gets to say whether it's safe or not?

And maybe your DP will find himself getting reported if he continues to park inappropriately. A bunch of vans got tickets near us for precisely that not so long ago.

MrsCrumPinnett · 10/04/2024 17:28

KidsandKindness · 10/04/2024 17:24

My DH used to drive a van, and often parked on the road at lunchtime as it was quicker than manoeuvring. My next door neighbour used to moan like hell about him obstructing her view, but he actually obstructed mine more, and I still managed to get out without incident, it didn't even bother me, as if I'd told him it did, he wouldn't have done it. I therefore agree with you OP, the woman's clearly a crap driver, and it sounds like there are a lot of others on here too by the number who agree with your neighbour.

You’re not a better driver if you’ve managed to pull out blind into traffic without causing a crash, just a lucky one. I’ve been on the wrong end of two collisions caused by overconfident drivers taking risks with other people’s safety.

Sometimes, just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should.

KidsandKindness · 10/04/2024 17:24

My DH used to drive a van, and often parked on the road at lunchtime as it was quicker than manoeuvring. My next door neighbour used to moan like hell about him obstructing her view, but he actually obstructed mine more, and I still managed to get out without incident, it didn't even bother me, as if I'd told him it did, he wouldn't have done it. I therefore agree with you OP, the woman's clearly a crap driver, and it sounds like there are a lot of others on here too by the number who agree with your neighbour.

Original poster

pollypocke · 10/04/2024 17:23

MrsCrumPinnett · 10/04/2024 17:20

It’s so dangerous trying to pull out when there’s a large vehicle obstructing your view. A van or 7 seater will effectively cause you to have to pull out ‘blind’ into the road. It’s why it’s not legal to park within a certain distance of a junction. I suggest you apply to the council for a dropped kerb and turn your front garden over to a parking space for the van, or pay for a unit or lock up somewhere to keep it safe.

If my neighbour pays for it then absolutely! 🤣 If not, he'll carry on parking in a space that's legal and for anyone to use

OP posts:

Original poster

pollypocke · 10/04/2024 17:22

My OH will always park somewhere else if there's space on our street, even if it is further away. Her view is slightly obstructed by his van, but who says it isn't safe? Surely if she thought it wasn't safe she'd report it. The council have put a bollard there for a reason, they decided that was a safe distance from the dropped curb so that ANY vehicle can park there as it's a public street. I'm sure they took into consideration the vehicles parking there could be those other than cars. If not, I'd suggest she takes that up with the council and ask them to reconsider moving the bollard

OP posts:

MrsCrumPinnett · 10/04/2024 17:20

It’s so dangerous trying to pull out when there’s a large vehicle obstructing your view. A van or 7 seater will effectively cause you to have to pull out ‘blind’ into the road. It’s why it’s not legal to park within a certain distance of a junction. I suggest you apply to the council for a dropped kerb and turn your front garden over to a parking space for the van, or pay for a unit or lock up somewhere to keep it safe.

fieldsofbutterflies · 10/04/2024 17:15

pollypocke · 10/04/2024 17:13

You expect him to park on a different road, where the van could be stolen or vandalised and he'd be none the wiser and walk home when there's a perfectly fine (and legal!) space opposite our house just because our neighbour MIGHT want to leave her driveway before he he moves his van to outsdie our own house? Unfortunately the world doesn't revolve around those with driveways

Nor does it revolve around selfish van drivers with absolutely zero consideration for anyone else

If he can't park on your road safely then of course he should park elsewhere. Whether it's legal (or not) doesn't really come into it IMO.

Original poster

pollypocke · 10/04/2024 17:13

You expect him to park on a different road, where the van could be stolen or vandalised and he'd be none the wiser and walk home when there's a perfectly fine (and legal!) space opposite our house just because our neighbour MIGHT want to leave her driveway before he he moves his van to outsdie our own house? Unfortunately the world doesn't revolve around those with driveways

OP posts:

Original poster

pollypocke · 10/04/2024 17:11

Gazelda · 10/04/2024 17:06

It isn't inconvenient to pull out when your view is slightly obstructed. It's dangerous.

I live in a road where vans regularly park on or near the corner. I have to inch my way out and hope there's nothing coming. It scares the life out of me and the council have taken several measures to try to stop the poor parking. Unfortunately the idiot van drivers seem to be oblivious to the danger and how their parking affects others.

The amount of times I've had to pull out of junctions/roundabouts and driveways when there's been an obstructed view is almost every time I go out! Surely you don't live somewhere where no one parks their cars on the road and you can see clearly without any obstruction on a regular journey?
It's part of bloody driving.

OP posts:

fieldsofbutterflies · 10/04/2024 17:09

pollypocke · 10/04/2024 17:01

My OH has only parked there a handful of times if there is absolutely nowhere else available near our house.
Surely if it's that much of an issue for her then she shouldn't be driving? Yes it's inconvenient for her I agree but surely this isn't the first time she's come across having to pull out with a slightly obstructed view? If there's a van parked near a junction I'm sure she handles it fine. I know it's different with it being outside her house but as I say. It's been a handful of times if there's nowhere else to go.
I'm honestly shocked a lot of people are agreeing with my neighbour! I thought it was bonkers

Do you really, genuinely think she shouldn't be driving because your DP parks inconsiderately and blocks her from safely exiting her own driveway? 😬

If, on a handful of occasions, there's nowhere else for him to park, then he needs to leave his van elsewhere and walk home. Just like he'd have to do if there was a car or something in that spot. That's life when you have a big vehicle unfortunately.

MsFaversham · 10/04/2024 17:08

Gazelda · 10/04/2024 17:06

It isn't inconvenient to pull out when your view is slightly obstructed. It's dangerous.

I live in a road where vans regularly park on or near the corner. I have to inch my way out and hope there's nothing coming. It scares the life out of me and the council have taken several measures to try to stop the poor parking. Unfortunately the idiot van drivers seem to be oblivious to the danger and how their parking affects others.

This. It’s not a matter of inconvenience.

Gazelda · 10/04/2024 17:06

It isn't inconvenient to pull out when your view is slightly obstructed. It's dangerous.

I live in a road where vans regularly park on or near the corner. I have to inch my way out and hope there's nothing coming. It scares the life out of me and the council have taken several measures to try to stop the poor parking. Unfortunately the idiot van drivers seem to be oblivious to the danger and how their parking affects others.

Original poster

pollypocke · 10/04/2024 17:01

My OH has only parked there a handful of times if there is absolutely nowhere else available near our house.
Surely if it's that much of an issue for her then she shouldn't be driving? Yes it's inconvenient for her I agree but surely this isn't the first time she's come across having to pull out with a slightly obstructed view? If there's a van parked near a junction I'm sure she handles it fine. I know it's different with it being outside her house but as I say. It's been a handful of times if there's nowhere else to go.
I'm honestly shocked a lot of people are agreeing with my neighbour! I thought it was bonkers

OP posts:

TheSnowyOwl · 10/04/2024 16:52

Parking somewhere that is legal and where you are entitled to be isn’t the same as parking considerately and taking into account the requirements of others.

fieldsofbutterflies · 10/04/2024 16:47

pollypocke · 09/04/2024 20:18

At that time when she asked him to move because of how other cars were parked it'd mean he'd have to reverse but not have enough space to reverse back enough to have space in front of him to park so he'd be taking up 2 spaces. Hope this makes sense I'm not very good at explaining things!

Show quote history

If that's the case, surely he would be taking up two spaces whether he reversed back for her or not, though?

There's either room for a car and a van or there isn't - it shouldn't change depending on whether he stays parked right by her drive or not.

EDIT: Clarification.

msianindian · 10/04/2024 16:24

Priminister · 10/04/2024 10:34

It very much looks from your diagram that his van does obstruct her visibility on exiting her drive. Sure, he can park there but it’s a bit of a dick move if he knows that it makes it hard for her to see oncoming traffic.

Not only that. It's also dangerous. Who takes responsibility for a collision occurring due to the lack of visibility?
Personally if I were her I'd park there too. Pissing others off is a small price to pay for safety.

Chatonette · 10/04/2024 12:59

We live on a street where the majority of us have 2 private spaces. Parking on the street is rare. One neighbour has 4 cars, so 2 go in his drive and 2 end up outside ‘Diane’s’ house (his own house has a shared path, so parking outside his own house would block another’s access to their 2 spaces). Diane is not happy about this, as she doesn’t like the view. I mean, I can see her point—I wouldn’t be happy about it either. Rightly or wrongly, I view it as inconsiderate when neighbours over-extend their car-to-house ratio. It is a public road however, so legally the neighbour is allowed to park outside Diane’s house. Diane has taken to parking her own car outside her house, leaving her 2 spaces empty, just so Mr 4-Cars can’t park there. The drama is real.

But seriously, even though it’s legal, I wouldn’t be pleased with a van or a taxi van always being outside my window either.