NDN using our allocated parking space, not their own!

[NDNUsingOurAllocatedParking]

Our neighbours have started using our allocated parking space instead of their own allocated parking space.

We've spoken to them but they have continued. The view of their space is not a clear line of vision.

What to do next???

OP we used to live in a house with 2 named parking spaces. We only had 1 car at the time. After youngest D's passed his driving test he got annoyed that he could never park in our second space. We got a bollard. Problem solved. Ndn did ask us why we did it and we said so DS could park in our second space when he visited us. They had the gall to call DH selfish when he told them why. Bear inind these ndn never asked if they could use our second spot. They had 2 spaces of their own but wanted/needed 3. You need to say nothing and get a bollard.

Is it a visitor space? Or your own space?

Look at your title to check if you own the freehold to the allocated space

We had this. Shared parking courtyard between three houses, and the house on the left always used our 2 spaces, leaving their 2 free! We had one car, (we now have 2) so we were inconvenienced for that. Always had to go knocking. And no, bad idea to have used theirs as they'd then see that as "ooh they've agreed to swap."

In our case, when you come off the main road and into the courtyard, you can just drive in a straight line into our two spaces. With theirs you have to turn the steering wheel ever so slightly left. 🙄 I presume that's why. Lazy arseholes.

Because we now have 2 cars, they stopped, but that was the only reason they stopped. It's infuriating and unbelievable. Just used to see their car parked happily in our space, they never asked, just took. And we got on well with them!

Just put something heavy in it saying private parking. Or erect a bollard that can be put up/down. The usual. Or block them in for days. Or report them for antisocial behaviour or trespassing (they are on your land without permission when they exit the car). You can probably sue them for causing you / exacerbating mental health conditions. Just raise a money claim online. Doesn't have to be for silly money: just enough to get them a CCJ and put them off doing it again.

I don't know if this is relevant, but I have met SO many people who insist they have to park in a specific spot "so they can see their car from their house" - as if they are going to spend the whole time watching to see if someone was going to pinch/damage their car.

You could always open their gate, and put up a deckchair in their garden. In asked just explain you find it more convenient than your own.

This, would be money well spent.

First of all, it would NOT be outing. You clearly have main character syndrome if you really believe that anyone would recognise your house and parking situation.

Secondly, even if your neighbour DID recognise the situation, all they would get is 7 (and counting) pages worth of people saying they're basically a wanker, so perhaps it would help them get the message.

Thirdly, what in god's name is the visitor loophole?

Finally, wouldn't it be a shame if you decided to start keeping something very sharp (but difficult to see) on your driveway?

How does the allocated parking work? Is each property allocated a certain space and that space is specified in your deeds? If so, could you send them a stern solicitor's letter?

You should check this approach with a lawyer or CAB but my suggestion is:
Write to them formally stating it's your spot and they aren't to park there, that it's a nuisance, as there continued use of it is causing you a loss of the use of the parking space you have paid for (I would look online to see if there's any specific wording you should use). Send it by recorded delivery so you have proof they have received the notice. Record every instance of them using the spot, ideally with a time stamped photo. Make a note of any expenses you are caused by them using your spot. After they've done it, say, 20 times, sue in the small claims court for civil trespass for £200 (£10 a time) plus any direct losses you've suffered (provide receipts) due to the nuisance caused. You'll need to send a letter before action (again, you should look this up, it needs to include some specific info, and send recorded delivery). You'll want proof that you own the freehold of the spot and proof that it's their car, or that they drive it and park it there (some photos of them getting in to the driver's seat should do it, though I think you can also apply to DVLC for the owner's details if you have cause (which you do).

If that doesn't stop them, keep logging details and apply for an injunction.

Only go this route if you aren't going to sell anytime soon, as would need ot be declared.

Just remembered a colleague did this a few years ago, same issue, purchased an old banger on-line for a few hundred quid and left their car in the other space whilst they went on holiday. Apparently, it worked a treat!

You know the rules op. And you need penguin bollards. And Miss Jolly to tell them to bugger off and have a good day.

Especially if you're unable to move your car when they ask you to let them out, on account of having had a drink or three...

Thanks. The teenager was quite happy to be wrapped up and left alone in the front garden for the night living her best Emo life.

It’s a very boring thread. Don’t you think a diagram would spice things up?

I voted YABU for failing to provide a diagram.

What tactics have you tried? I like the idea of some passive-aggressive cones mentioned upthread.

I disagree with other comments saying for OP to park in NDN’s parking spot as it sets a precedent, could lead to possible adverse possession (NDN could claim the spot as you use theirs - I’m not sure if this is relevant to this situation) and why should a CF get their own way?
Note on their car windscreen to advise that they are using your spaces that you are paying for and that you are taking appropriate action to ensure you are able to park there.
CCTV needs putting up and penguin bollard installed.
Invite us all round for a party in NDN’s garden and we will use all available parking, their garden and noisily debate about CFs Mumsnet classics.

I would do this.

Apparently Mumsnet has around 8m users and about 700,000 posts each month. How on earth can a diagram of your parking space be outing? And why does it matter if your neighbour happens to see your thread anyway?

Because I'm a private person and when another neighbour told us they had clocked what was going on, although I felt good that they too know it is wrong, I felt sad that people can see us being targeted.

Would a flow diagram suffice? Drumroll please:

Our property > our allocated parking space

NDN > permanent obstruction to line of vision > NDN's allocated parking space

And their MIL, who has also freeloaded in our space, looks like a MNer, you know the type.

So what did they say when you spoke to them?

I wouldn't use their space. Better to maintain the moral high ground

Block them in. Every time

Ring their doorbell, often, asking them to move

Bollards are a PITA, but could be a solution. Not sure if you're allowed to use a chain / bollard to lock their car in your space?

I would talk to them first. If nothing changes, put a sign at the end "Reserved for no. (Your house)
Maybe you could draw them a diagram ... or not ... 🥄🤣

Hopefully, OP has now ordered the lockable folding parking bollards. 3 day delivery on Ebay and probably next day on Amazon Prime.