How to Stop Neighbours Parking on Your Drive Legally (UK)

The Frustrating Truth About Driveway Law

I get calls about this literally every week. Someone's neighbour keeps parking on their drive, they've asked nicely, neighbour ignores them, and they want to know what they can actually do about it. The answer isn't as simple as you'd hope.

Here's the thing: if someone parks on your private driveway, that's trespassing. But it's a civil matter, not criminal. The police won't get involved unless there's criminal damage, threats, or harassment.

What the Law Actually Says

Your Legal Rights

• Private property rights: You own your driveway, so you decide who can park there
• Trespass law: Parking without permission is civil trespass (but not usually criminal)
• Right to take action: You can pursue civil remedies through courts
• Right to prevent: You can install physical barriers to stop unauthorized parking

What You CAN'T Do (Stay Legal!)

Legal Solutions That Actually Work

1. Security Bollards (Best Permanent Solution)

This is what most of our Liverpool customers end up choosing, and for good reason. Physical bollards make it impossible for anyone to park on your drive - end of story.

2. Clear Signage

Put up a sign that clearly states "Private Property - No Parking - Violators Will Be Prosecuted". This establishes that parking is not permitted and helps if you need legal action later.

Costs about £20-40 for a proper sign. Won't physically stop people, but it removes any "I didn't know" excuse.

3. Polite Written Notice

Document everything. Send a formal letter to your neighbour (keep a copy) stating:

• They do not have permission to park on your property
• Their parking constitutes trespass on private property
• You will take legal action if it continues (but only if you actually will)
• A deadline for them to stop (e.g., 14 days)

Send it by recorded delivery so you have proof. This creates a paper trail if you need to escalate.

4. Legal Injunction (Nuclear Option)

If nothing else works, you can apply to the County Court for an injunction to stop them parking on your property. This costs money (£300+ in court fees plus solicitor costs) but it's legally binding.

Honestly? Most people don't go this route. By the time you'd spend £1,000+ on legal fees, you could have bollards installed and the problem solved permanently.

When CAN the Police Help?

The police will only get involved in specific circumstances:

• Obstruction of the highway: If they're blocking the pavement or road (not your drive)
• Criminal damage: If they damage your property gaining access
• Harassment: If there's threatening behavior or repeated intentional trespass after warnings
• Theft: If they're stealing parking from a paid parking arrangement

Real Liverpool Cases I've Dealt With

Prevention Is Better Than Legal Action

Look, I've been doing this long enough to know: people don't want legal battles with their neighbours. Even if you're 100% in the right, it's stressful, expensive, and damages relationships.

Physical barriers are the answer. They're:

• Cheaper than legal action (£300-600 vs £1,000+)
• Faster - Installed in a few hours, not months of court dates
• Permanent - One-time solution, not ongoing arguments
• Non-confrontational - No arguing, just a physical boundary
• Multi-purpose - Also prevents car theft and adds security

Choosing the Right Bollard Solution

Do You Need Planning Permission?

Usually not. Security bollards on your own driveway are generally considered "permitted development" and don't require planning permission from Liverpool City Council or other local authorities.

Exceptions would be if you're in a conservation area or listed building, but that's rare. We've installed hundreds around Merseyside without any planning issues.