Neighbour keeps parking across our drive “by accident”

[GirouxSein]

Our neighbour has started parking partly across our drive. Not fully blocking it, but enough that it’s awkward to get in and out. I’ve mentioned it once and they apologised, but it’s happened a few times since.
I don’t want to start a neighbour war over parking, especially as we otherwise get on fine. At the same time, it’s annoying having to squeeze past every other day.
What’s the best way to handle this without making things uncomfortable long term?

What is the actual parking situation like? Is it really difficult anyway and hard to park anywhere without being in someone else’s way? Is it impossible to park without things being tight regardless of where they park, or are they just being dicks?

You know the rules, where’s the diagram?

this

I’d knock on the door in the early hours and get them to move it. I very much doubt they’ll park there again

Our neighbours do this all the time. They have four cars (some are the kids'), but don't want to make their drive bigger so park across the bottom of ours.
We have knocked on the door-ignored.
Reversed down towards them when we had appointments-ignored.
Sat in car with horn blowing- ignored. They just smirk because they think there's nothing you can do.
However,there is!
If you are parked on your drive it is illegal to block you in case of emergencies, so call the police. It wipes the smirk off their face. If tho, you are NOT at home thete's nothing you can do other than block them in.
Oh, and they use our drive as their footpath too, and roll their bins down, again because they can't be arsed to imorove their parking.
Annoying, but I try not to show my annoyance or they win.

DIAGRAM

Sorry to be rude. I need to see the problem specifically, not so I can better advise but because I'm nosy and I live for this shit.

Id knock on their door and politely say "I really don't want to make a thing out of this, but when you park across my drive it makes it really difficult for us to use it. Please can you stop doing it? Thanks so much" .... smile!

Why were you blocking them in?

I would ring them when you are in the process of trying to squeeze out and say ‘Hi, can you come out asap and guide me out? I’m really struggling and about to hit your car, can you watch me out?’

Don’t apologise. Tell them to move their car.

I'd start with this - a perfect response.

If they persisted after that then the gloves would be off.

Diagram…

Hi, can you please make sure you don't block my drive.

That's it. On repeat.

I wasn't - I literally said I wasn't blocking the drop kerb. I was parked right up against it, but the drive entrance wasn't obstructed at all. If they can't drive their car without hitting others they shouldn't be on the road at all.

Yep, easily solved. Every time they park across your drive you knock their door and say politely "do you think you could move your car please, I think I might have enough room to get out, but with my history with cars I find it's best not to risk it" and then smile ominously.

It is NOT legal to park over ANY dropped curb, even if it’s your own drive.

That’s a terrible thing to say. Stupid stereotype of women. 🙄

Just use your words.

Hats off to your husband - he handled it effectively and efficiently.
Your neighbour was being rude in the first place so the direct approach was the right one to nip it in the bud.

You said
Is it legal to park over your own dropped kerb
ChatGPT said:
Assuming you’re asking about the UK:
Yes — generally it is legal to park over your own dropped kerb, but there are some important caveats.
When it’s usually allowed
The dropped kerb is for access to your own driveway.
You own or occupy the property the driveway serves.
There are no other parking restrictions in force (e.g. yellow lines, permit-only bays, clearways).
You are not obstructing the pavement more than already intended by the dropped kerb.
Under UK law, enforcement against parking across a dropped kerb is mainly to protect access rights. If you’re blocking your own access, councils usually won’t issue a PCN.

This has 100% been my own experience of parking over my own drive for 5 yrs due to arsehole neighbour. 🤷🏻‍♀️
Our pcn guys even knows our car!

I get what you’re saying but the same applies to the selfish neighbour too. I’d just tell them they need to move.

Get a black wax pencil and draw a scuffy line across the bumper - your car is blue/grey/red so obviously not caused by you.

How patronising! Sure she is capable of speaking for herself.

No diagram no comment.

Wasn't there a thread recently where someone who lived near a football stadium had a car towed away because the person had went to the match and blocked their car in? Right up my rue! Love it!

Your solution was to get a male member of your family to go and spout misogynistic rubbish at your neighbour?
I am embarrassed for you.