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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Neighbours have 'made' a driveway which MY parking space blocks

407 replies

SomewhatNewToThis · 30/06/2017 22:52

Trying to keep it short. I live down a very weird road- very few houses have driveways. Some of us have allocated bays in the street. Other people- generally the owners of newer houses- must park in a car park about a minutes walk away created especially for our road. It's literally at the end.

Neighbours have a weird upside down U shaped house, facing the road. They have decided to put a very ugly, gravel driveway on the reminder of their front garden.

However, MY allocated council parking space that belongs to my house is where the exit to their 'driveway' is. Their DD just passed her driving test- hence driveway- and I've had to move my car from my space SIX times since Tuesday.

Neighbours have now sent letter asking me to park elsewhere so their DD can use 'driveway.'

AIBU to have posted a polite letter back basically saying no and that I will not be moving car multiple times a day in future? Hmm

Car park for our houses requires a permit. As I have the allocated space, I cannot apply for a permit as I already have a space. Neighbours have one space in car park provided for those without allocated spaces, however can apply for space for their DD as car park has spare permits available. I can't park anywhere else as you can only park in allocated bays.

AIBU to think my allocated space is mine, it's not my fault it's in front of their house and that I shall not be moving my car from now on?

Diagram provided. Grin

Neighbours have 'made' a driveway which MY parking space blocks
OP posts:
cheesypastatonight · 02/07/2017 22:31

You don't need to give them reasons! Just say no, it is my space and I will be parking in it. You will need to make alternative arrangements.

Ontheboardwalk · 02/07/2017 22:33

Priorities OP priorities. We will of course be expecting an update at 11.30

What I've learnt from being on here is no matter what they say the mantra is 'that's not my problem this is my parking space'

hibbledobble · 02/07/2017 22:34

Thank you for the update.

Well done for sticking to your guns. As others have pointed out it cannot be a drive way without a dropped kerb.

In my area the local council will place bollards in front of any 'drive ways' without a dropped kerb, to stop them being used. Personally I think it's a huge waste of reaources, especially when they won't even fill potholes, but it may be worth enquiriNg if the council will do the same for your neighbours.

LionsOnTour · 02/07/2017 22:34

and have actually written down a few reasons from the replies I've had, such as value of house, etc..

Honestly I think this is a mistake. Don't get into conversations and explanations. Dont try to argue your case. Keep it short and simple and keep repeating the same point if need be. It's your spot and you intend to carry on parking there and that's all you need to say. Don't bring in any other issues. If there are awkward silences and gaps in the conversation then so be it.

Good luck and be strong! Smile

ToadsforJustice · 02/07/2017 22:36

You don't have to have a meeting with them. There is nothing to discuss.

TheHodgeoftheHedge · 02/07/2017 22:36

Good luck OP!

Owl1011 · 02/07/2017 22:36

Love a good neighbour parking war...OP you've got nothing to worry about, they're chancing it and they know it! Good luck with the coffee discussion tomorrow and don't give in!

bruffin · 02/07/2017 22:49

Just print out the link i gave above and give it to them.

Yvetteballs · 02/07/2017 22:55

Agree with others. You don't need a meeting, it's not up for discussion. They are simply wrong.

BewareOfDragons · 02/07/2017 22:57

I'd bring a friend to coffee. You will be ganged up on. And even if you stand firm, you may well feel very vulnerable if you're alone.

PurpleDragon76 · 02/07/2017 23:00

I agree with others in that you don't need to explain yourself and I would take your mobile and tape the whole thing. They can't make up their own rules, sounds like they want to talk you round.

Bargainqueen · 02/07/2017 23:03

YANBU! Please explain to them what you have to us. In a letter if you don't want to talk to them face to face.
They have no rights to make you move. They knew the setup of the street, so not fair to make you feel guilty with the fact they've shoved gravel on the floor and called it a driveway for their DD.
Do not back down. You are totally in the right and not only that, are right in the eyes of the council and the way that your road works.
They have a serious cheek if you ask me.
Good luck OP xx

twattymctwatterson · 02/07/2017 23:03

Placemarking Grin

TreesAreLeafy · 02/07/2017 23:04

Get the council to block dd in so they can do a daily mail sad face article www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-524838/Cars-trapped-illegal-driveways-council-fits-bollards-middle-night.html

Neighbours have 'made' a driveway which MY parking space blocks
SimonsPies · 02/07/2017 23:12

Don't go for coffee. They'll gang up on you. There's nothing to discuss. You don't need to explain. Just phone the council.

ChangelingToday · 02/07/2017 23:14

You got a letter asking round for coffee to discuss but have you accepted? Because you don't have to go?! I agree with pp who said you'll be ganged up on.

longingforalife · 02/07/2017 23:18

Not ashamed to say that I will be back at lunchtime tomorrow in case OP has felt moved to post how the 'chat' has gone.
I second the idea of taking company, perhaps you and a friend are ' on your way out somewhere together? '

MrsKlugscheisser · 02/07/2017 23:18

"There is nothing to discuss. It is my official parking place and it is your garden, not a driveway. I shall continue to park in my space and suggest that your daughter parks elsewhere. If you continue to use your garden as a parking space, I will be obliged to contact the council for advice."

craftsy · 02/07/2017 23:20

Definitely don't discuss it. Just look at them with a confused face and say, 'but this is my legally allocated space. It's mine. I don't understand what you think we need to talk about. That space belongs to my property.' And just keep looking at them like you can't believe they are questioning the roundness of the earth. When they keep on trying to get you to move, suggest - a friendly manner - that maybe the best solution would be to get someone from the council to come out and help you out on what appears to be the confusion.

NaiceBiscuits · 02/07/2017 23:25

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

pollymere · 02/07/2017 23:30

They have a gravel front garden, not a driveway. I suggest they buy some lovely pot plants for it... don't refer to it as a driveway otherwise they've got an argument.

TaggySits · 02/07/2017 23:34

I'd be very wary of meeting them OP, but if you do go please make sure and take someone with you.

BreakfastAtSquiffanys · 03/07/2017 07:18

"Sorry, haven't got time for coffee, but if you need help with daughter's parking, I suggest you get another permit for car park. Obviously as I already have an allocated space, I can't get a permit so will continue to park in my proper place. If you daughter wants to park in your garden, that's up to her, but please be aware that I will no longer be moving my car to facilitate this"

wowfudge · 03/07/2017 07:30

God no discussion! They are going to try to persuade you really don't mind moving to the car park. I bet they will offer to pay for your permit or some such. It's your space and they have no right to ask you to move for their convenience when the established position was known to them before they embarked on their drive plan.

Mollymutkin · 03/07/2017 07:30

Alternatively refer them in writing directly to the council. But don't meet them in person.