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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask how to best handle this car blocking my drive?

902 replies

Parkingdrama00 · 16/02/2025 14:07

I live near to a football stadium and the team are currently playing. Somebody has parked right across my drive and blocked me in. I assume they have gone the match.

You need a residents pass to park round here and it doesn't look like they have one. Looks like I'm trapped until they come back.

What's best to do? Can I report them to the council? Leave a note? Confront them upon their return. Or is all of that pointless?

I wanted to go to the supermarket which will likely be closed by the time they're back.

OP posts:
BIWI · 16/02/2025 20:30

But in and of itself, @Cupcakes2035 that is a derailment!

Totally different to the point in question.

Cupcakes2035 · 16/02/2025 20:30

BIWI · 16/02/2025 20:30

But in and of itself, @Cupcakes2035 that is a derailment!

Totally different to the point in question.

true

IzzyHandsIsMySpiritAnimal · 16/02/2025 20:40

MJconfessions · 16/02/2025 17:15

You have confirmed the stadium and where you live on this thread. You admit you lied to the police about needing to go out and care for your elderly mum. In reality you just wanted to get groceries for your lunch at work, and you didn’t do that in the end.

If the police knew the reality was that you’ll be chilling at home with wine, chances are they wouldn’t have got involved.

So whilst it’s cathartic having an inconsiderate driver being towed, it just comes across as a waste of resources. Now you’ll potentially have an angry or drunk group of football fans on your doorstep, potentially requiring further police intervention. Football fans generally aren’t the most reasonable people, their initial reaction will likely be worry or rage (ie was the car stolen?)

Whilst everyone else is happy to watch on with popcorn, the truth is no one here or on the neighbourhood group chat will protect you if things go south @Parkingdrama00

There is no defence for parking like an utter bellend.
It doesn't matter why OP needed (or wanted) to go out, she was prevented from doing so by someone who couldn't be bothered to park legally.

Information as to OPs whereabouts may be outing but that doesn't justify any sort of knee-jerk retaliation for having an illegally parked car.

Abitofalark · 16/02/2025 20:43

TheMeasure · 16/02/2025 17:18

@Abitofalark "It could mean a lot of different things. Think about it and your not very smart question."

Well, it's right there in the OP: "Somebody has parked right across my drive and blocked me in," "Looks like I'm trapped until they come back."

That is what that poster was referring to so "not very smart question" was unnecessarily snarky,

What's unnecessary is your quoting words at and 'correcting' people. You're not, so far as I'm aware, the poster I responded to and you've done it twice to posters who've read but understand the broader point that people have questions in their mind and seek further to understand the situation.

CauseImMrDarkside · 16/02/2025 20:45

BIWI · 16/02/2025 20:17

No. Not aggressive. Just frustrated because people do this so often - can't be bothered to read the OP but assume that their own post will, somehow, impart words of wisdom that are completely different, and more insightful, than the hundreds of posters before them.

Show quote history

Tbf, the hundreds of PPs may not know about the law, and the first few I read said call the Council!
Profuse apologies your worship!

surreygirl1987 · 16/02/2025 20:47

Well done OP! Hopefully he'll thing twice next time before being a CF! I applaud you! 👏

BIWI · 16/02/2025 20:48

Quite right. Say a few Hail Marys and you're forgiven.

ZebedeeDougalFlorence · 16/02/2025 20:53

Parkingdrama00 · 16/02/2025 16:30

They've bloody took it! I actually can't believe that has just happened. No sign of the driver as of yet but if anybody knocks I won't be answering.

Half the street was out watching, tow fellas took it no bother. Said they do it a fair bit round here on match and concert days.

This has made my day!!! Bravo!!!!

Lookuptotheskies · 16/02/2025 21:10

Glad they towed it! I live in area that has a similar problem and it's a pain in the arse. 😡

WearyAuldWumman · 16/02/2025 21:11

Parkingdrama00 · 16/02/2025 16:30

They've bloody took it! I actually can't believe that has just happened. No sign of the driver as of yet but if anybody knocks I won't be answering.

Half the street was out watching, tow fellas took it no bother. Said they do it a fair bit round here on match and concert days.

There is a God!

MammaTo · 16/02/2025 21:24

Amazing! I live in anfield too and this has had me in stitches. I can picture some away fan walking back to his car thinking it’s been robbed (as per the stereotype) and then be even more delighted when he has to pay his fine to get the car back. Delightful!

Househunter2025 · 16/02/2025 21:30

Rosscameasdoody · 16/02/2025 16:54

Depending on how quickly he claims the car it could be up to £700. He has to claim it within 7 days or risk it being scrapped or sold along with the contents !! He’ll have to wait for form 3708 to come by post as he has to complete this and take it with him, along with his driving licence, proof of ownership and proof of insurance. The other good news is that standard car insurance specifically excludes cars being released from a police pound, so he’ll have to contact a specialist insurance company for cover. Hope he enjoyed the match - methinks it’ll be his last for a while ||!!

Show quote history

This is mostly rubbish. Mine got impounded once and I just went and got it the next morning. Proof of id and paid £150 and that was it. Specialist insurance? Why bother making stuff up?

mommatoone · 16/02/2025 21:31

MJconfessions · 16/02/2025 17:15

You have confirmed the stadium and where you live on this thread. You admit you lied to the police about needing to go out and care for your elderly mum. In reality you just wanted to get groceries for your lunch at work, and you didn’t do that in the end.

If the police knew the reality was that you’ll be chilling at home with wine, chances are they wouldn’t have got involved.

So whilst it’s cathartic having an inconsiderate driver being towed, it just comes across as a waste of resources. Now you’ll potentially have an angry or drunk group of football fans on your doorstep, potentially requiring further police intervention. Football fans generally aren’t the most reasonable people, their initial reaction will likely be worry or rage (ie was the car stolen?)

Whilst everyone else is happy to watch on with popcorn, the truth is no one here or on the neighbourhood group chat will protect you if things go south @Parkingdrama00

Bore off!! 😴 Are you in the Drive Blocker club as well!? What would have happened if the OP had a genuine emergency, needed to get out? What if the driver had a few too many drinks at the footy, couldn't drive so the car was left OVER her drive for god knows how long? And as for 'angry football fans', then police resources would have been used appropriately to move the cheeky fuckers on ! Block someone's drive, tough shit if your car gets towed. Good for you OP

HolyPeaches · 16/02/2025 21:34

Parkingdrama00 · 16/02/2025 17:13

So a man about 50 by himself was just walking down the street talking on his phone very animated. He did stop briefly and then turned around. Could be the culprit but he didn't knock or anything.

I do actually feel slightly bad now. I never actually thought a tow truck would turn up if I'm honest!

@Parkingdrama00 NO. Please don’t feel bad.

Why should cheeky fuckers be able to sail through life with no repercussions? He needs to learn a lesson and hopefully now he’s learnt it.

Years ago, I had my car towed away (luckily I wasn’t blocking anyone’s driveway but I was parked on double yellows near the edge of a junction) and I definitely learnt my lesson to always make sure I’m parked legally and not obstructing anyone/anything.

Househunter2025 · 16/02/2025 21:50

Lougle · 16/02/2025 17:27

I'm not saying I think @Parkingdrama00 was wrong to call the police. I'm not saying that the car should not have been towed. I am just capable of seeing the other side of a situation and feeling a little sympathy for someone who made a bad decision that has spiralled into a huge problem. Their probably rash decision to block a driveway will cause inconvenience and expense way beyond their expectation and I can imagine that they didn't forsee it at all.

They're learning an expensive lesson, and to be honest, their mates will probably be glad that they've learned it for them.

Well how else are they supposed to unblock the drive unless they tow it? Of course they need to move it out of the way. And then where do they put it - outside someone else's driveway? And the truck has to be paid for so there needs to be a mechanism to force the car owner to pay. If they didn't want towing they should park in front of an empty drive

Sauvage · 16/02/2025 22:04

You are my absolute hero. I live on a street where this happens to me all the time. I have missed commitments and been stuck at home all because some selfish person chooses to block my drive. I never thought the police would be interested if I called. I will try that next time. I would love to see the look on the face when the car is gone!!!
I usually just have to hang around until they come back and shout at them!

ilovemyhamster · 16/02/2025 22:10

itsgettingweird · 16/02/2025 19:53

I use the app and can see OP posts only.

I click on the funnel looking bit on the top right and select OP.

I think you can select posters who have responded but that's a premium feature?

Omg I did not know about this feature. Thank you so much. Every day is a learning day 💡 🙏🏻

BitOutOfPractice · 16/02/2025 22:13

Shall I ask on the wolves forum I moderate to see if anyone wants to fess up?

EmeraldRoulette · 16/02/2025 22:16

BitOutOfPractice · 16/02/2025 22:13

Shall I ask on the wolves forum I moderate to see if anyone wants to fess up?

yes, do! Not least because I reckon the person will never tell anyone he blocked cars in. He'll say he was towed after parking in a correct place.

Praying4Peace · 16/02/2025 22:52

Weddingbells6 · 16/02/2025 14:11

Revenge. You can’t get out now regardless of whether you report it or not, just go and scratch it in an obvious way (assuming neighbours don’t have CCTV and that they can clearly see they’re blocking your drive and car) so they think twice next time. Absolutely horrible, selfish thing to do, you could have had a hospital appt or any number of urgent things to do. A&E with a vulnerable child etc. I’m not joking btw or having bravado.

Can't believe that you are suggesting scratching the car

HiyaLuv · 16/02/2025 22:58

The car owner must have known it was illegal. Tough for them. Well done @Parkingdrama00 !
Agreed it doesn't need a reason to be towed apart from the wrong parking.

Lollipoplol97 · 16/02/2025 23:03

Take photos and send to local council there all dying for money now days so they will probably get a fine. Also leave a note telling them how much of a knob they are. Personally I'd be battling in my mind weather to put dog muck under the door handles or a potato up the exhaust 😂

Praying4Peace · 16/02/2025 23:10

DreamW3aver · 16/02/2025 17:03

I know what you mean, if they are away fans how will they get home, get to work tomorrow, get back to pick up the car and all the associated costs

The punishment does feel a tad harsh for the crime

Not blaming the OP, she was egged on by all the armchair combatants but I do feel some sympathy

Show quote history

I agree with you.
Alot of posters appeared to egg on the OP to contact police and seemingly got great pleasure out of the countdown to the tow truck arriving and the anticipation of the drivers reaction when finding out. I appreciate the huge inconvenience of not being able to use her car but I feel uncomfortable with the large number of responses who are seemingly gaining great pleasure out of the outcome.
Yes, the car driver and passengers were inconsiderate but no harm resulted from their thoughtless behaviour.
And OPs shopping can be sorted tomorrow

MasterBeth · 16/02/2025 23:18

Praying4Peace · 16/02/2025 23:10

I agree with you.
Alot of posters appeared to egg on the OP to contact police and seemingly got great pleasure out of the countdown to the tow truck arriving and the anticipation of the drivers reaction when finding out. I appreciate the huge inconvenience of not being able to use her car but I feel uncomfortable with the large number of responses who are seemingly gaining great pleasure out of the outcome.
Yes, the car driver and passengers were inconsiderate but no harm resulted from their thoughtless behaviour.
And OPs shopping can be sorted tomorrow

Show quote history

Yes, harm was done. The OP was unable to get out of her own drive!

More importantly, the person who parked had no idea when or why the OP might need to leave her house. Did not give a shit. Blocked the drive without a moment's concern or consideration.

A car is a pretty formidable piece of equipment. It's big. It's heavy. It can kill people if you handle it badly. It can get in the way of people's lives if it's dumped where it shouldn't be. If you're driving a car, you need to be responsible for it and for where you leave it.

I have absolutely no sympathy for the dick of a driver. Serves them right.

IzzyHandsIsMySpiritAnimal · 16/02/2025 23:18

Praying4Peace · 16/02/2025 23:10

I agree with you.
Alot of posters appeared to egg on the OP to contact police and seemingly got great pleasure out of the countdown to the tow truck arriving and the anticipation of the drivers reaction when finding out. I appreciate the huge inconvenience of not being able to use her car but I feel uncomfortable with the large number of responses who are seemingly gaining great pleasure out of the outcome.
Yes, the car driver and passengers were inconsiderate but no harm resulted from their thoughtless behaviour.
And OPs shopping can be sorted tomorrow

Show quote history

But the point is that the person shouldn't have parked illegally.

We know that it was more of a minor inconvenience for OP, in the general scheme of things, but the twatty parker wouldn't know the circumstances of the person he'd blocked in. It could have been someone elderly in need of getting to a hospital, or someone who was medical staff on call, or anyone needing to get off their drive.

There's no excuse unless the driver was having a medical emergency and needed to pull over urgently.

This is a classic example of fuck around and find out.