For those living on busy streets, few things are more frustrating than finding a car parked across your driveway, leaving you unable to move your own vehicle. Many residents have experienced the inconvenience of being ‘blocked in’ and are often left unsure about how to resolve the situation.
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In response to these concerns, the Police National Legal Database offers guidance on the matter. Their advice is to first check with neighbours to see if the vehicle belongs to someone nearby. If not, contacting your local council may be the next step. In many areas, local councils are responsible for enforcing parking laws under Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE), making it illegal to block a dropped kerb driveway.
The Metropolitan Police also provide advice on dealing with driveway blockages. They suggest trying to locate the vehicle’s owner and politely asking them to move. If that fails, a note on the windscreen may help. However, if the blockage prevents you from leaving your property, the police may be able to intervene if it’s considered antisocial behaviour.
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The RAC has clarified the legal position, stating that while it’s generally legal to park outside someone’s house, blocking a driveway or parking over a dropped kerb is not allowed. If the obstructing vehicle is on a public road, councils can take action, but if it’s on private property, such as a driveway, the situation becomes more complicated, and the council has no authority to remove it.
