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AIBU?

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Neighbour blocked shared drive deliberately, AIBU or are they?

229 replies

WoesFromAuntFlo · 23/10/2026 13:43

We moved into our new home around a year ago and have had nothing but weird vibes from our neighbours who we share a drive with. Our front doors face each other up a steep drive and we both have garages at the end of them, kind of backing onto our separate gardens.

We have been nothing but pleasant with them and have kind of just let them use the driveway as there isn’t a lot of room for two cars so we never really pushed it.

They have always been a bit odd. A lot of curtain twitching when we leave the house and barely looking up when we say good morning etc. Other neighbours have told us they’ve had issues with them but we have just assumed they’re quirky and let them get on with it.

ANYWAY, we had a rubbish clearance man come to collect some rubbish from our side of the drive and the garden yesterday. He called us after (we are currently away seeing family) to say he couldn’t do half of it because the neighbour said he couldn’t pull up the drive - he did knock to ask. And then used his car to completely block off access to the driveway, so the rubbish clearance men struggled to get the rubbish past the car and didn’t want to cause any damage so abandoned the job.

For avoidance of doubt, the rubbish guys we use are really lovely and polite, we used them on our last home refurb, and they’re not the type to argue or whatever. They just said okay then, took photos to show off, and left the job when they couldn’t do anymore.

WIBU to ask my neighbours what they’re playing at?! It’s cost us money as we have had to (rightfully) pay for the full clearance even though they couldn’t access it all.

Or AIBU for wanting to be able to use our shared driveway?

OP posts:
RelicMaster · Yesterday 21:31

WoesFromAuntFlo · Yesterday 14:09

Little update as I hate post ghosters myself!

We got back mid storm last night so pulled our car up the drive to our front door to unload suitcases and toddler - max 3-4 mins. We have done this maybe 10 times in the year we’ve been here.

When we woke up, his daughters car (she’s an adult, I think she’s staying there currently but usually parks on the road outside) is now parked in front of his so we definitely can’t use our parking spot in front of the garage.

We have tried knocking to discuss it twice so far today. Both times we have been ignored even though we know they’re in.

We have taken photos but I really don’t want to go the legal dispute route for the reasons most people have said, having to disclose etc!

Not sure where we go from here if they won’t even engage with us!

You do not need to worry about them calling the police if you block them in. My mum’s new neighbour threatened her and she called the police and they wanted absolutely nothing to do with the parking situation as it was a civil dispute and only approached him about the threat. The police said they couldn’t get involved - only the threat to her was the concern.

Fluffypuppy1 · Yesterday 23:05

PyongyangKipperbang · Yesterday 21:20

I think I would "helpfully" install a metal fence on the boundary between the garage areas. Too close and they damage their car and can't get out.

Seems like they bullied their old neighbours to the point where they think that the whole drive and shared access is theirs. If you play nice, they will do the same. Start out as a bitch, and stick with it.

This.

Your neighbour could be trying to gain the whole driveway and parking area by adverse possession. He only has to show he’s the only one to use both for 10 years.

How long did the previous owners of your house live there?

somanychristmaslights · Today 06:58

Swmk · Yesterday 17:32

For goodness sake stop being so nice and just park behind them.

Agree with this!! You’re letting them get away with it.

Shatteredallthetimelately · Today 07:58

You don't have to get authorities involved.
Unfortunately your neighbour has got away with this for too long, they're being ignorant and you really need to shut it down.
Play them at their own game and do exactly what they're doing to you.

The only one having a quiet life in all this is your neighbour.

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