It's a parking one!

[carparkkk]

I started a new job around 4 months ago which is based on a residential street in a cul de sac. There isn’t any parking in the cul de sac but there is off road parking on the main road which leads to my work.

Along this main road there is a row of three houses. None of them have a private driveway so have to park on the main road. There is enough room for probably 5-6 cars give or take. I have been parking on this road since I started my job and assumed all was okay. There is one house which has steps leading up to the pavement along the main road. Around a month ago after I’d left work, I got into my car and was looking at my phone, a man in a white van appeared suddenly knocking on my window and asked if I wouldn’t mind moving forward. I told him I was leaving anyway and that was that. He wasn’t rude, but not friendly either.

Anyway, I didn’t really think anything of it until today. After I’d left work at around 6pm I got back to my car to find a note on my windshield which read “please will you refrain from parking outside my steps, thanks”. It only just clicked that it was the same man as his van was parked right behind me (right up my arse as well which I think was his way of making a point). I will admit, I ripped up the note and threw the pieces of paper onto the pavement directly by his steps and drove off. I appreciate this was extremely childish but it just wound me up. I had to drive to the end of the road to turn around and before I knew it, he was in his van moving forward. It’s almost as if he was watching me from his window.

I really don’t believe I’ve done anything wrong. He doesn’t own the road and it’s not a private driveway nor am I blocking anyone in/out. I actually live on a similar style street with off road parking and it’s basically first come first serve. Yes I will admit, it’s annoying when people who don’t live in the area park there, but I wouldn’t be able to ask them to move, as legally their not doing anything wrong. I would understand if there wasn’t enough parking but he had literally parked right behind me and has done so for the last 3-4 months with no issues.

From what I can see he’s just extremely precious and just wants to park directly outside his house, even though all he had to do tonight was walk a couple of extra steps to get there. So WIBU to ignore him and continue as normal?

Unfortunately as I’m a new member I cannot post a diagram as I know that’s Mumsnet rules

Fuck him

YANBU as long as you're not taking up two spaces with your parking. It doesn't sound like you are though if he's been parking behind you for the past few months.

You’re not blocking a drive/access so you can park there. Hopefully white van man won’t damage your vehicle. He’s being an arse, but could be a pita if he scratches the car, for example.

As you say in your OP it's annoying when people park in front of your house - but it's tough shit for him isn't it! People literally think they own the road outside of their house.

My friend has a neighbour repeatedly parking in front of her drive. Simply because she has no where else to park

You shouldn’t have dropped litter. Apart from that YANBU.

Ignore. You're working around the corner, it's a public street without restrictions, and you're entitled to park on it.

Ignore him.

And get a camera for your car.

Littering and no diagram!

YABU

100% agree with the litter comment, I was an idiot for doing that, and I normally hate littering as well. It was just the heat of the moment I think.

Definitely not taking up two spaces as there was a car right in front of me which I believe could belong to the same household (they were very close to my bonnet). I think there aim was to possibly block me in or at least make it difficult for me to get out.

As I said in my op, I do understand how annoying it is but surely these things should be factored in when buying/renting a property? I don't think someone should live in a property with off street parking if their going to moan about it. It is just tough.

My only worry was if he did damage my car, but at the same time I want to stand my ground as I know I've done nothing wrong.

Unfortunately I can't post a diagram @malmi as I'm a new member.

What did your colleagues/boss/client say when you discussed this with them?

It's only just happened tonight after I'd left work so I haven't had a chance to speak to them about it yet @HoHoHolly

He might be one of the people who keeps tools in his van and has had to replace them umpteen times because of scum bending the doors open and pinching everything, therefore wanting to keep an eye on it. It happens so often round here that people are losing their livelihoods. Or perhaps he has to unload or load and needs to be near his house.

No reason to be aggressive with you though.

I also thought that as it's his van, he may be loading and unloading heavy equipment as he'll not be insured if it's left in his van, so being parked in front of his own steps would make his life a lot easier.

You aren't doing anything wrong, but you could be making life very inconvenient for him IF he has to load and unload every day.

I've had someone threaten to put my car windows in because I had the audacity to park outside his house.

Yanbu. But should get a camera if you're going to keep parking there. He obviously feels very entitled to that spot.

I was thinking that it would be easier for him to load/unload his van directly from his steps.
Maybe just try to be a bit more considerate and avoid blocking them, if you possibly can?

Unfortunately I can't post a diagram @malmi as I'm a new member.

Mumsnet doesn't work like that. You can post a picture if you are a new member.

When I tried to post a picture it said I couldn't because I was a new member @SpectureLectura