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AIBU?

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Original poster

Neighbours have 4 cars on shared drive designed for 1 each

88 replies

FabLaura · 03/07/2018 16:14

For 7 months our neighbour has parked 4 cars on the shared drive. It means DH & I struggle to park our 2 cars every time we use the drive as the entrance is now very tight due to their cars sticking out. I have spoken to our neighbour and politely mentioned how annoying it was for us. This was a month ago and nothing changed. One of the cars was a present for son who doesn't live there and he doesn't want the car. They said if they sold it, they would lose money and can't park on road as not taxed. Two are personal cars (1 for Mum, 1 for Dad) and the final car is a work van.

What would you do next? Our neighbours are lovely people but the car parking is driving me mad!
I haven't attached a picture as you'll see the name of their business

OP posts:
Andro · 03/07/2018 16:45

Neighbour's car 4 is parked in a manner that could earn them a parking fine, very selfish as well.

readyforapummelling · 03/07/2018 16:46

Also, a car should be declared SORN even if it's parked off road. New regulations but ''tis true.

So if it's not taxed or declared SORN, it could potentially be towed away....

Original poster
FabLaura · 03/07/2018 16:46

Xaphodsotherhead- I know what a brat the son is! I think talking to them, they were sad at that which is why they didn't immediately get rid of it

OP posts:
user546425732 · 03/07/2018 16:47

neighbour 2 needs to pave over part of their front garden to make parking spaces - ideally with something that still allows water to drain.

MissConductUS · 03/07/2018 16:50

MissconductUSA - my husband said exactly the same

You have married well, FabLaura Wink

Jaxhog · 03/07/2018 16:51

Yep, totally unreasonable. I also see no reason why you should start making more drive on your land! If it's a quiet cul-de-sac, why can't neighbour 2 park THEIR taxed cars on the street too.

I'm also surprised that neighbour 1 is allowing this situation to continue. If they were to move, a new neighbour would be v. unlikely to go along with this. Then all hell could break loose!

SusannahL · 03/07/2018 16:55

I'm afraid your neighbours are not 'lovely people' at all OP.

You have politely explained how their inconsiderate parking is affecting your family yet nothing has changed.

Time for another much firmer word.

missbattenburg · 03/07/2018 16:56

It looks to me like the intention behind the drive was just to allow access to the garages rather than for parking - hence the odd shape.

If it were me, I'd be looking to take that triangle of grass out and put a straight driveway in for myself. That way, I am not reliant on neighbours not parking in the way and am not part of Neighbour 1 not being able to access their garage. They may not mind now but a house sale and new neighbours could soon change that and cause trouble down the line.

That said, cf who use the pavement as parking is a particular bugbear of mine so if I was feeling very cruel I might convince them to sell the spare car THEN change my driveway anyway Grin

Original poster
FabLaura · 03/07/2018 16:59

Jaxhog - you're totally right.

I think what i need to do is chat to them again but this time be more insistent that one of the taxed cars must go on the road and not in the spots used by neighbour 1 for their cars

OP posts:
Original poster
FabLaura · 03/07/2018 17:00

I think long term MissBatterberg you're right. Let the savings for our new drive begin Confused

OP posts:
petrolpump28 · 03/07/2018 17:05

they have a garage but they don't use it?

MoreCheerfulMonica · 03/07/2018 17:08

Yes, you need to find a solution that allows neighbour 1 to park on their share of the drive or at least reach their garage.

wink1970 · 03/07/2018 17:10

Lose the grass bit, straighten your drive, and then you and N1 can park properly. You're being as unfair as the others at the moment, as your DH's car is blocking their access (according to the diagram).

jumblefun · 03/07/2018 17:14

If you're only meant to park one car each, then you and Dh are also in the wrong and they're likely to tell you so.

juneau · 03/07/2018 17:16

They have 2 garages - why the hell don't they put two of the vehicles (particularly the unwanted car for their DS), in one of them???

mrsm43s · 03/07/2018 17:17

I think your NDN is a CF parking 4 cars on the drive,but TBF, you and DH are also CFs for parking 2 and blocking NDN1 out!

Realistically, all you can enforce is the original purpose as per the plans - 1 car each for you, NDN1 and CF NDN on the drive. So it's going to hurt you too!

Sensibly, I'd park one of your cars in your garage, and one in front. Then it's up to NDN1 to take it up with CF NDN if he has a problem.

agedknees · 03/07/2018 17:18

I feel sorry for poor neighbour 1who can’t park any of their cars on the so-called shared drive.

StealthNinjaMum · 03/07/2018 17:19

Nice diagram op.

Who owns the land that the drive is on? Is it shared? Could you fence some off?

I know it's a pain but if possible I would pave part of your grass and put a barrier up so you have a drive for you.. In the long run it would make the house worth more. After reading these threads I wouldn't dream of buying a house with a shared drive, people like this just take advantage.

PotteringAlong · 03/07/2018 17:21

this time be more insistent that one of the taxed cars must go on the road and not in the spots used by neighbour 1 for their cars

You cannot dictate to them where they park their car on the road, just because you don’t want to park your car somewhere else and allow neighbour 1 access to the garage!

HyacinthsBucket70 · 03/07/2018 17:24

I'd report them for obstructing the pavement with their car. I would assume that someone in a wheelchair or pushing a pram would have to go into the road?

diddl · 03/07/2018 17:24

Is it even for parking on or just access to garages??

Is your garage also full & unusable Op?

TheFirstMrsOsmond · 03/07/2018 17:27

If there is no room in their garage, could they park the car that's not being used as close to the garage as possible and sideways? This should enable the 3 remaining cars to move further up their side of the driveway.

GladAllOver · 03/07/2018 17:30

Report the parked car across the pavement to the council. It shouldn't be necessary walk in the road.
Then there will be room for you to get in and out.

hertsandessex · 03/07/2018 17:31

It night not be possible to put up a fence/barrier down the middle of shared drive. Need to check title deeds to see if any restrictions. For example each of you might have right of way to use whole driveway for turning around.

hertsandessex · 03/07/2018 17:32

PS I had a shared driveway before and there were restrictions. Also generally made me convinced never to have one again! Fine when all going smoothly but nightmare as soon as somebody starts taking liberties.

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