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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Asked neighbours visitor to not park so close to my driveway

125 replies

9hashbrownsplease · 24/05/2025 12:18

I live in a cul de sac, and annoyingly, the majority of visitors choose to park outside my house. I was unaware of the extent of the issue until after I had moved in, but it is what it is. There are no alternative parking options available without blocking someone’s driveway, so everyone parks here instead. It’s every single day and a bit frustrating at times, but nothing I can do.

The majority of people are considerate and leave enough space for me to come and go, however, there are some, such as this woman, who park excessively close to the dropped kerb, preventing me from passing their car. I’m then forced to drive out in the opposite direction, turn around and come back.

This specific car comes by several times a week and parks so near that she might as well park directly across my drive. She visits the house a few doors down. Although I have never spoken to her, this morning I was outside when she pulled up. I asked if she could give me a little more space while parking here, explained my reasoning, and she merely rolled her eyes at me before walking away.

I want to clarify that I have no problem with her parking here (despite how annoying it may be), it’s a public road and anyone can park there. I know that. I just wish she would give me a bit more space to get in and out of my drive. There is genuinely no reason for her not to park a little further down the kerb, she just chooses not to.

I have included a (poorly drawn) diagram. The road is not as wide as depicted in the diagram and is, in fact, quite narrow, which is the reason I cannot swing around her car when leaving. I have maintained good relationships with my neighbours, and now I’m concerned that it may become uncomfortable due to the comment I made to their friend.

What motivates someone to intentionally create challenges for the neighbours of their friends or family? Was I unreasonable for asking this?

Asked neighbours visitor to not park so close to my driveway
OP posts:
pictoosh · 24/05/2025 12:24

I'd say that unless she is parked over your dropped kerb, you'll just have to do the turn around manoeuvre.
You can ask and she can say no.

Annoying but that's the way it is.

PuppyMonkey · 24/05/2025 12:24

Probably me being a bit dim but I don’t see how she’s blocking your drive from the diagram.Confused

ArtTheClownIsNotAMime · 24/05/2025 12:24

I don't understand the problem and why her parking close to your dropped kerb, but not over it, stops you getting out. The diagramme doesn't help as it looks like her parking is fine.

Sounds like it might be solved by you reversing into your drive though.

Shesellsseashellsnotinmystreet · 24/05/2025 12:25

Do you reverse onto your drive?

BethDuttonYeHaw · 24/05/2025 12:25

She’s not blocking your drive according to your diagram.

malmi · 24/05/2025 12:26

She’s parked legally and not overhanging your dropped kerb or driveway so it’s up to you to manoeuvre round her. YANBU to have made the request I suppose but YABU to expect her to comply.

Vaxtable · 24/05/2025 12:28

I would look at getting your drop kerb extended

Locutus2000 · 24/05/2025 12:29

Lentils in the valve caps. She'll get the message.

pictoosh · 24/05/2025 12:29

Locutus2000 · 24/05/2025 12:29

Lentils in the valve caps. She'll get the message.

Please elaborate on this. Intriguing.

Shade17 · 24/05/2025 12:30

Locutus2000 · 24/05/2025 12:29

Lentils in the valve caps. She'll get the message.

Yeah, criminal damage is always the answer.

Renabrook · 24/05/2025 12:31

Locutus2000 · 24/05/2025 12:29

Lentils in the valve caps. She'll get the message.

I would call the police if someone did this

Renabrook · 24/05/2025 12:31

Locutus2000 · 24/05/2025 12:29

Lentils in the valve caps. She'll get the message.

I would call the police if someone did this

pictoosh · 24/05/2025 12:33

Googled it - so it causes the tyre to slowly deflate. I see.

Can't imagine this suggestion was made in seriousness.

Sheldon4k · 24/05/2025 12:33

Im guessing its making it awkward to come out by the car, in the direction of the car, rather than the car actually being illegally parked.
I would just park in front of my house myself for a while so the option isnt there for someone else to park there if its really getting to you, especially if its specific times its becoming an issue.

9hashbrownsplease · 24/05/2025 12:35

She does not block my driveway. She just parks so closely to the dropped kerb that there isn’t enough space for me to maneuver my car when pulling out my drive without either colliding with her car or hitting the pavement on the opposite side, given the narrowness of the road. Instead I have to pull out, drive in the opposite direction into the cul de sac, turn around, and come back. If she were to park slightly further down the kerb (for instance, in the middle), there would be adequate space.

I reverse into my drive as it’s inclined and better / safer to reverse in.

@Vaxtable I have thought about this but it’s quite expensive unfortunately.

OP posts:
9hashbrownsplease · 24/05/2025 12:36

@Sheldon4k yes that’s correct.

OP posts:
BMW6 · 24/05/2025 12:37

Sorry but I think you'll just have to suck it up. She's not blocking your drive and you finding it difficult isn't her problem. She's parked perfectly legally.

MathsMagpie · 24/05/2025 12:38

How many cars can fit along the kerb though? If she parked in the middle, is she in the middle of two spaces?

pictoosh · 24/05/2025 12:38

BMW6 · 24/05/2025 12:37

Sorry but I think you'll just have to suck it up. She's not blocking your drive and you finding it difficult isn't her problem. She's parked perfectly legally.

Yes I agree.

It might be nice if she replied, "Oh sorry, didn't realise, no problem."
But she didn't and there's nothing you can feasibly do.

ArtTheClownIsNotAMime · 24/05/2025 12:39

Instead I have to pull out, drive in the opposite direction into the cul de sac, turn around, and come back.

Oh the horror

SapphOhNo · 24/05/2025 12:39

Annoying but she's not doing anything wrong

Maybe park over your dropped kerb and a bit where she parks so she can't get in

pictoosh · 24/05/2025 12:40

Also agree that having to turn around isn't a biggie.
It's a mild inconvenience, that's all.

Questioningconstantly · 24/05/2025 12:42

9hashbrownsplease · 24/05/2025 12:18

I live in a cul de sac, and annoyingly, the majority of visitors choose to park outside my house. I was unaware of the extent of the issue until after I had moved in, but it is what it is. There are no alternative parking options available without blocking someone’s driveway, so everyone parks here instead. It’s every single day and a bit frustrating at times, but nothing I can do.

The majority of people are considerate and leave enough space for me to come and go, however, there are some, such as this woman, who park excessively close to the dropped kerb, preventing me from passing their car. I’m then forced to drive out in the opposite direction, turn around and come back.

This specific car comes by several times a week and parks so near that she might as well park directly across my drive. She visits the house a few doors down. Although I have never spoken to her, this morning I was outside when she pulled up. I asked if she could give me a little more space while parking here, explained my reasoning, and she merely rolled her eyes at me before walking away.

I want to clarify that I have no problem with her parking here (despite how annoying it may be), it’s a public road and anyone can park there. I know that. I just wish she would give me a bit more space to get in and out of my drive. There is genuinely no reason for her not to park a little further down the kerb, she just chooses not to.

I have included a (poorly drawn) diagram. The road is not as wide as depicted in the diagram and is, in fact, quite narrow, which is the reason I cannot swing around her car when leaving. I have maintained good relationships with my neighbours, and now I’m concerned that it may become uncomfortable due to the comment I made to their friend.

What motivates someone to intentionally create challenges for the neighbours of their friends or family? Was I unreasonable for asking this?

I've had this request from a neighbour before when I visit my parents. I compiled and completely understood. They asked nicely and said they eat breakfast by the window and seeing my car there ruins it. I thought that sounded reasonable.
It isn't a thing that would personally bother me but I can definitely see their perspective. So I will say it's not aibu and hopefully if you ask they will understand your point of view. (Your reasoning feels even more reasonable) 😉

9hashbrownsplease · 24/05/2025 12:45

@BMW6 Yes, I suppose I will have to. I just cannot understand intentionally making things harder for another person. As I mentioned, I haven't asked her not to park there. I only asked her to park a little further down the kerb so that I can pass by. It really wouldn't change much, except for her having to walk a few extra steps.

@pictoosh It's not just once or twice though, it happens most days and can become quite frustrating over time.

OP posts:
9hashbrownsplease · 24/05/2025 12:46

@ArtTheClownIsNotAMime ok? 😆

OP posts: