Parking Enforcement on Private Property: Your Rights in the UK

The Annoying Truth About Your Rights

This one winds people up more than anything. Someone parks on YOUR drive, blocks YOUR car in, and legally there's not much you can do about it after the fact. Mad, innit?

Had a customer in Bootle last month - delivery van blocked her in for 3 hours. Police said it's a civil matter, not criminal. By the time she could get a solicitor involved, van was long gone. That's the reality.

What You CAN'T Do (Legally)

Let's get the bad news out the way first:

• Can't clamp them: Been illegal since 2012. You'll get prosecuted, not them.
• Can't tow them: That's theft. Serious charge.
• Can't damage their car: Obviously. Criminal damage charge.
• Can't block them in: Two wrongs don't make a right, legally speaking.

I know it's frustrating. Your property, your rules should apply. But UK law is weird about this one.

What You CAN Do (If They're Already There)

1. Ask Them to Move (Politely)

Sounds obvious but start here. Most people don't realize it's private. Knock on doors, leave a note on the windscreen. 8 times out of 10 they'll shift it.

2. Call the Police (But Don't Expect Much)

If they're blocking you in and won't move, police might help. But they'll probably just say it's civil. Worth a try though, especially if it's affecting your ability to get to work or hospital.

3. Solicitor Letter

If it's a repeat offender (like a neighbour), solicitor's letter demanding they stop. Costs £100-200 but usually works. Shows you're serious.

4. Court Action (Nuclear Option)

Can sue for trespass but it's expensive (£1000+) and takes ages. Only worth it for persistent problems with the same person.

The ACTUAL Solution: Stop It Happening

Here's the thing - all that legal stuff above? It's reactive. You're dealing with it after they've already parked. Better to stop them parking there in the first place.

Physical Barriers (What Actually Works)

Warning Signs

"Private Property - No Parking" signs are cheap (£10-20) but don't stop determined people. They're more of a deterrent for genuine mistakes. Get proper metal ones, not plastic ones that blow away.

Real Examples from Our Customers

My Recommendation

If it's happened once or twice, start with signs and asking politely. If it's a regular thing, bite the bullet and get bollards. They pay for themselves in saved stress and time.

I've seen people spend £500 on solicitors letters and court stuff trying to stop one person, when £650 in bollards would've stopped everyone forever. Do the maths.

Shared Driveways

Bit more complicated if you share the drive. Legally you both have to agree to any physical barriers. Usually works out though - both benefit from stopping randoms parking there.

We've done loads of shared drives. Split the cost, both get keys (for telescopic ones), everyone's happy.