Private parking

[DebsyWebsy1966]

Opposite my house is a lay by which for the last 50 years has been available for anyone to park vehicles, at some time (unknown) ownership has transfered to the housing association which administers what used to be council housing. There has never been a sign prohibiting anyone from parking, but at the land registry the land IS described as parking for certain addresses (which don't have their own drive + flats)
The other day the police went round knocking doors (civil matter?) Accompanied by a "girl" from the housing association, informing non-tennants (of the housing association) that they shouldn't park there because the housing association own it.
My question is, if this has existed for fifty years without restriction, doesn't it become legally acceptable (practice & custom) and can the housing association just decide to enforce a rule which has never been mentioned before?
We've lived here twenty years ourselves and have parked a vehicle there every day. Thanks in advance for any advice.

A girl?

I would expect that the "girl" will be around with a tow truck and clamps if you ignore the polite request.

Great minds 😀

When I said "girl" I meant 21, first office job, thinks she owns the neighbourhood,

She'd need a sign up to that effect with the name of the private parking contractor before she can do that 😂

Really - so you meant that a woman went around telling you that she is 21, it's her first job, and to get the hell off the housing associations private land? Yeah, right. Patronising much?

Oh and PS - they do own that bit of the neighbourhood. That's kind of the point, isn't it?

Is there any signage up to indicate that it can't be used for parking any more?

Yeah, you have to lose this mindset, and wording. How absolutely degrading and sexist - you wouldn't refer to a young man in his first role as a boy (and if you would that's also wildly offensive). They don't own the neighbourhood, but you need to face facts - a representative of the owner has given you information, accompanied by a police officer. Listen to it, or face the consequences.

can the housing association just decide to enforce a rule which has never been mentioned before?

surely if they now own it they can have whatever rules they like. It’s probably never been mentioned before because the rule didn’t exist but now the land has changed ownership they’ve made a rule

So a woman employed by the people who own the land?

'Girl' 🤦🏻‍♀️

Why wouldn't they be able to enforce a rule that has never been mentioned before?

What's the difference between the HA coming into ownership and a private entity? They own it, you don't. Find a solution to your parking issue and hopefully the comments on this thread show how ridiculous your use of language is.
Fascinating how you know this woman's age and career history and are using it as part of your legal standpoint.

There is lots of unregistered land around the country. If you registry it then it becomes yours unless there is something registered in it.

Someone has been maintaining the lay by the last 50 years?

They own the land and can certainly enforce any rule they want regarding parking over it. They can also change rules as and when they want.

Unless there is a specific easement you are out of luck. It’s not like rights of way which can be established through customary use.

Realistically, the only thing they can do is put up signage and start issuing parking charge notices.