Parking on neighbours' empty drive

[Vinntet]

I hope not a TAAT, but DP's car is currently parked on our next door neighbours' driveway without their permission and I'm worried this might have us known as as being CFers!

We share almost an access drive which goes across the front of both our actual drives and we've had a skip delivered to ours this morning. I stupidly told them to put it on the side for easiest access to the backgarden, which is also where DP's electric car needs to be parked to be reach the charger which is on that side of the house!

It just won't reach from 'my' side of the drive, but will from the empty spot on NDN's drive, who we think have gone on holiday (not been around since Weds). We'd move onto the road when it's fully charged, or ask nicely if they come home, and DP sees no issue.

Is this fine or CF territory?

I would not mind OP as long as you were the one to tell me. If I heard it elsewhere first I would not be happy.

The drive is empty again and we'll make sure we let them know when they return and apologise for not asking first. If they're still away on Monday I plan to put their bins out and will offer to return the favour in future and hope they don't mind too much.

Why?

I don’t think you’re a CF, OP.

Obviously it would have been better to ask first, but since you couldn’t, putting a note on and being ready to move it immediately is the next best thing.

When you speak to them, maybe suggest swapping numbers for future reference. You never know what might happen when they (or you) are away that would require getting in touch.

100% CF

How big is the skip? Some of the smaller skips are actually surprisingly easy to move yourself (esp with two of you) before you put anything in them.

Also, it seems very unusual that you say the charger at the supermarket would take longer than your home charger. People don’t generally have super-fast chargers at home - decent public chargers are usually much much quicker than even a good home charger.

Most of our neighbours like people to park on their drives at various times when they're away.
We also know each other's working patterns and take advantage of each other's drives when they're out at work. For example, I go the office every Monday and am out from 7 - 4. My neighbour's sister comes to visit every Monday with her toddler twins and always park on my drive. Why wouldn't I let them? If they turn up and my car is there, they don't. If I happen to come back early and they're on my drive, I'll just park elsewhere and move the car later.

I think only miserable mumsnetters care about stuff like this. In the real world I’m sure they won’t care. They’re on holiday and you’re only charging the car once.

On my street we all use each other drives quite frequently!

Sounds perfect @Vinntet and you seem like nice neighbours. Pop their bins out tomorrow as you suggested and mention it when you get home with an apology.

If my neighbour came round after I got back from holiday to apologise for parking on my drive for 2 hours i'd think they'd gone mad.

Literally nobody was harmed or inconvenienced. Who cares.