Neighbour blocking driveway

[TamTims]

I have some new neighbours who are moving into the house in stages. Where i live parking is limited - each house has space for 1 or 2 cars on the drive but that's it really - there's limited space on the road itself without blocking in other cars.

Twice now the new neighbours have parked their car or van that fully blocks my drive so I can't get my car out.

I've asked politely not to block my drive but each time they have responded angrily saying they have to park there for convenience. I explained they could have asked me first to park there out of courtesy, and I would have agreed, but just blocking my drive without asking was unacceptable. Even after me asking them the first time not to block my drive without asking, they did it again later. On both occasions when I spoke to them they responded in disprectful and hostile manner. They thought they had the right to block my drive since they were moving in..

I'd never dream of blocking anyone's driveway and just don't understand the mentality of these people.

A previous neighbour regularly had visitors who'd block my driveway and I had to go round and ask them to move their car which was usually met with annoyance.

AIBU to expect people not to block my driveway under any circumstance? Why do people think its ok to block someone's drive?

This has really upset me, I live alone with my young daughter and don't want to be having issues with the neighbours.

Thank you..

If they continue you can ring the police if you’re blocked IN as they’re impeding access to the highway

(veteran of a 20 year plus parking dispute still ongoing…)

That sounds horrendous for you. I hope it gets resolved soon.

It wouldn't bother me at all if I wasn't going anywhere, whether they asked or not, if they're actively moving in.

I'm going to hazard a guess that the OP's indignation was very obvious in her approach, so they reacted in kind.

You can't live your life by "what ifs...".

They didn't need to get out. The person was just dropping some stuff off.

And if they did, then you quickly say "could you move your van, I need to get my child to the hospital". Same if it was the postman or a courier or a bin lorry.

People are so quick to get angry over minor things.

It is basic manners I agree but in the circumstances I wouldn’t be to fussed. OP has already spotted the van so if she needed to go out she already knows she may need a few extra minutes so them letting her know won’t really make a difference

If it were me, I’d permanently leave my car parked so that I could leave immediately, even if I’m blocking my own gateway/drive. I do this wherever I park the car, for easiest & quickest getaway. (no I’m not a bank robber 😁)

Prior to moving in we dropped notes to our near neighbours apologising if the removal trucks were disruptive and giving our numbers in case of issues. We wanted to get off to a positive start with our new neighbours.

Hopefully they are stressed moving and will apologise and be more pleasant forward. I’d probably drop a wine round and passively aggressively welcome them to the road but it is quite petty..

We need a diagram please OP!!!

Also fair play to you cos the second time I had to ask them NOT to park across MY private drive it would have been in a very raised voice. Sick of entitled selfish idiots.

I think we are in violent agreement

Thank you. Here's a diagram! It's not great but hopefully makes some sense!

Can’t believe so many people think it’s ok the neighbours are blocking OPs drive! Oh, no, wait, they are probably those drivers who feel entitled to park wherever the fuck they like!

What is the title of this thread?

Was there a point to your question?

The OP didn't need to go out at the time, the neighbour was dropping things off, so no big deal.

I really don't understand why people turn things like this into drama rather than having a little more patience and compassion.

For goodness sake this isn't about someone being parked there a couple of minutes whilst dropping something off! Moving takes a long time - hours in some cases. All I ask for is a little respect towards me in my own home!. Where was the patience and compassion shown towards me by not bothering to ask my permission to park there? It takes, what 1 minute to knock on someone's door, introduce yourself and ask if it's ok the block the driveway whilst moving in. Anyone who thinks I was out of order saying something is no doubt the type of person who would block a drive themselves, for their own convenience.

Do you also think it's ok to block a driveway when dropping your kids off at school? You're only going to be there a couple of minutes right and we all know what a nightmare parking is near a school. Is the person who's drive is blocked lacking patience and compassion if they complain about it?

Yes, indeed there was. You asked the OP a question. Do you remember? You asked

'Did you actually need to get out, or did you just ask them to move the car/van because it was blocking your drive?

I responded with 'read the title of the thread' and I also I'd suggest that you 'read the OPs thread' where you will find the answers to your questions;

Does it really matter about the moving in ? - only common courtesy to ask - even if just moving in - or perhaps "especially"

...and to repeat it again is incredibly rude...... and doesn't bode well.....

Somewhat OTT....

Park across your own driveway so you don’t get blocked in. Your new neighbours sounds awful.

I apologise.

This is AIBU and I was pointing out another point of view that others clearly agree with.

Please state clearly next time if you only want people to agree with you and not point out any alternative solutions.

Best wishes and good luck with the new neighbours.

It takes, what 1 minute to knock on someone's door, introduce yourself and ask if it's ok the block the driveway whilst moving in.

And if you said no what would they do then? Park down the street? I don't agree with people blocking drives, but having a van there moving stuff in is very different, presumably they would have moved if you were going out.. so there is no problem.. you're just making it into one!

I can understand why they didn't ask 'permission'.

Given you've explained parking's very limited, could you not have let it go considering they must've been unloading furniture? Where did your furniture van park when you moved in. I'm unsure if youre saying they wouldn't use their own drive? If that is the position, YANBU.

I do not see the big deal. They were clearly moving items in, not just parked there for good. When you needed to leave, I’d have literally just gone, hey sorry I need get out, can you move the van please.

When I was moving out of a property the neighbours had their car parked so the removal van could not get access. I asked them twice to move it and they kept saying "in a minute". Then the removal guy went around and they moved it immediately.

The answer is often a burly male friend. Ive got a 6 ft 6 biker one (complete with black leather, studs and huge steel clad boots) and he scares the life out of people before he even opens his mouth.

This, this , this.

Yanbu at all
they should have asked BUT id let it lie if this was only relevant on moving day
moving is stressful at the best of times

if they persist with it I’d put a plant pot there or something to discourage. Is that allowed?