To speak to my neighbours about this parking issue?

[Jennypug]

I'm currently renting a house on a smallish new build development. Parking is scarce and we all have allotted spaces in a row, carpak style.
Anyway, as luck would have it, both of my neighbours own rather large transit van things. Our spaces aren't the most generous in the world and I often get home to find that each van is parked on the line adjoining my space.
I am currently hugely pregnant and frankly I cannot see how to make this parking situation work. I either park with the passenger side basically touching one neighbours van so I can open my door (making it impossoble for him to get in himself) and get out or I park centrally in my space and am stuck in the car.
The thing is, they are within their own private parking spaces, just not all that straight. Would you say something or shall I just put up with having to park the 5 minutes walk away as I am doing now?

Check the small print as often transit vans are not allowed.

I was going to say the same as Myheart. It's common in New build developments to have covenants stating commercial vehicles aren't permitted on the development.

Put your big girl pants on and talk to them.
They will see the problem I'm sure.

Some new build estates don't allow commercial vehicles to park. Which might extend to these vans but personally I think it's a ridiculous rule. People are just trying to make a living!

Anyway, that aside, I'm not sure what you can do? If they are squint and encroaching on your space it's definitely worth mentioning.

Can you just ask if one of them would be willing to switch spaces with you to help you get in and out of the car?

Perhaps see if one of them will agree to reverse in so it doesn't matter that your passenger doors are really close to each other.

Say something. Most people are reasonable. My neighbour came up to me one day and asked me nicely if I could park slightly differently to make it easier for him to get to his space. I hadn't realised I was making things difficult for him, being in my own little bubble. From then on I parked differently and everybody was happy.

It will help if you have a suggested solution which causes no inconvenience to anybody - makes it much harder for someone to say no. MoveOnTheCards has a good idea - could you arrange a swap for an 'end' bay so you always have clear space on one side?

Perhaps you could ask to swap with one of them for the meantime?

It's common in New build developments to have covenants stating commercial vehicles aren't permitted on the development.

The problem can be getting them enforced ... they only tend to GAS when there are unsold houses in the development.

Interesting about the no commercial vehicles allowed thing. I'm not really sure what can be done as it seems a bit late now.
I will talk to them. You're right, I wouldn't be bothered if someone approached me in a similar situation.

The problem with enforcing no commercial vehicles is you then straightaway stop getting on with your neighbours and when you all have to live together, it is much easier to find a solution that works for everyone.

Is there an end spot you can park in, do a swap with whoever's spot it is?

This is going to continue when you have to get a baby and then toddler into a car seat so it's not a short term issue. Have a chat and see if they are helpful.

You know what you need...

Is there a local rugby team?

Meanwhile, could you kindly upload a diagram or I'll have to report you to the MN police