People parking on edge of dropped kerbs

[cocktails45]

AIBU to think people like this are inconsiderate and lazy?!

I live in a cul-de-sac and generally park my car on the drive. There’s always people (normally NDN’s family) who park outside my house (no issues there) but park in a way that makes it very difficult for me to exit my driveway. It’s because they park right up to the edge of the dropped kerb, which means I’m unable to swing around their car without hitting the pavement on the other side as the road is quite narrow.

I end up having to do a 6 point turn to get out or drive out the other way and come back. They could park slightly further away, in the middle, but won’t because they would have to walk further to get to their destination so would rather inconvenience me instead.

Perfectly legal of course, but shit for people like me that have to put up with it.

They could park slightly further away, in the middle, but won’t because they would have to walk further to get to their destination so would rather inconvenience me instead.

Have they actually said this to you?

YANBU. So many selfish drivers around me. They park their cars on corners and junctions too cos there's no enforcement. They'd do anything if they get away with it.

If they're not actually parking on your dropped kerb then I don't think they're doing anything wrong. They probably have no idea how it affects your situation - they don't turn on a narrow road every day or have any idea what your car's turning circle is like. You could just speak to them, explain, and ask them to leave a couple of feet. On the other hand, parking up to the edge could potentially leave room for another car to park, so they're being considerate in that way.

@LadyTable No, of course they haven’t but you’d have to be dim to park your car like that and not realise it inconveniences / makes it difficult for the other person.

In theory the reasonable thing to do is speak to them. However has anyone ever spoken to a relative stranger about their behaviour and had someone say sorry and change? You are more likely to get some verbal abuse.
I do some volunteering and have to park on a residential street but always leave plenty of room for people to get out, because I am a reasonable person with a brain.

I agree. Enforcement is pretty much non existent outside the town centres where it's easy pickings for the traffic wardens. After all, they only regard it as a money making exercise. They're not remotely interested in going further out to the housing estates, villages, etc.

Illegal parking in our village is terrible. The parish council have been trying to get action from the police and council for a couple of years. Local councillors have also tried, and our newly elected local MP is taking on the case too. The council just refuse to show any interest. It's pavement obstruction, parking on junctions, parking over dropped kerbs, double yellows, etc. Because the council can't be bothered, it's become a free for all.

These are three images from our village which shows what happens when the police and council can't be arsed. And yes, the black range rover was parked and empty as was the red car behind it.

I would say probably a large percentage. And then even when caught for a motoring crime, the courts are far too soft.

It should not be a fine, it should be points on your licence, and if you reach the threshold, you are disqualified and at the very least have to re-take your theory test before resuming behind the wheel.

If you have formally complained, then report it to the local government ombudsman. At least make it difficult for the council to ignore you.

YANBU. We have the same problem. It's a cul de sac and the road is narrow, not normal width. Neighbour's visitors park right to the edge of the dropped kerb which makes it difficult to reverse out. There is plenty of room to park a few feet down.

I have come to the conclusion that people are dim when it comes to parking. Very, very dim. I put it partially down to the fact that, since the driving theory test was introduced nobody is obliged to read the Highway Code any more to pass their driving test. I reckon a public information campaign would work wonders.

I think you're in a bit of a glass house there to be honest because you shouldn't really be reversing out 😂

When people park like that it's so difficult to squeeze past them I often inadvertently scratch their cars with the big buckle on my shoulder bag. Such a shame 😈

Wow. That is incredible. These people have no shame at all. They obviously don't think pedestrians, of any ability, matter. How utterly selfish and embarrassing for them.

don't be silly

Is there space for two cars between dropped curbs or just one however you park? In many areas, it would be considered rude to not park as tightly as possible to allow as many people as possible to park.

Still recall the day a few years back when some guy was super annoyed the kids squeezing past his van parked on the pavement caught it with a zip on their coats. It was a horrible icy day and I was very clear in directing them to stay on the path. I had to go onto the road as he was so on the pavement I couldn’t fit in the space.
He seemingly felt they should walk on the road to ensure no damage to his van and I should be teaching them to behave better. I was reasonably polite but very clear this was a problem he’d created for himself and the solution was definitely not to make 6 year olds walk on a road in dangerous driving conditions. People are just utterly unreal sometimes.

YANBU.

In your case, I’d park in front of the house at your convenience, leaving your driveway empty. Let them get in the habit of parking elsewhere.

Yes, it's so sad that my mobility scooter has a sticky out bit that sometimes connects with peoples cars when they are on the pavement/ across dropped kerbs.

Nope, reversing out a driveway is not an issue. The only thing the Highway Code says is to avoid reversing out onto a main road where possible. OP lives on a cul-de-sac. So not prohibited in any circumstances and not even advised against in OP’s circumstances.

It's not silly, it's a fair comparison. This thread comes down to whose convenience trumps whose, given that the parkers are not breaking the law or contravening the highway code (at least, that was my understanding from the OP, but happy to be corrected if they are). But people who reverse out of their drive onto a road are choosing the more dangerous option for their own convenience. I'm not pearl clutching about that - go for it if you think it's safe - I'm just saying it's a bit rich to moan about people choosing their own convenience over yours if in fact you're doing something that puts your own convenience over other people's safety.

.

Sorry, tried to post an image but it says under review. Section 201: "Do not reverse from a side road into a main road. When using a driveway, reverse in and drive out if you can."

Just speak to them.

They have no idea of your driving capabilities.

Like you, I'd struggle too but my adult DC for example always seem to be able to zip in/out of the sort of spaces that would make me tear my hair out.

Don't assume they know you're struggling.

@takealettermsjones just to confirm, I always reverse onto my driveway and pull out when leaving. My drive is actually quite steep and it’s difficult to reverse off.