Parking Space Problems

[peterd]

I have 2 car park spaces behind my house. Most of the time I park diagonal across so my car covers both spaces. Over the weekend I had to park on the side of my house as someone parked in my drive. I am tempted to block them in, but where do I stand legally if the car is on my land ? This has happened before, I don't know why. Some people must think it's not part of my house.

[Toureman]

Put a sign up as the clamping company's do.

Clamp illegal parkers then collect the �50-�100 pound fee before you release them.

[jake-the-peg]

I think you have to have a license to clamp these days Toureman.

Personally I'd block them in and have headphone on listening to music when they call at the door.

Legal or illegal I can't see the police wanting to get involved in that whereas they might take an interest in illegal clamping which they might view as extortion.

[spaced]

block them in. They will then get the message and not park there again.

[chijiki]

If someone is using (or misusing) your land it is a civil, not a police (i.e. criminal) matter.
The simple course of action is to ask the offender not to park on your land.
You could, of course, block them into reinforce your point but that is only likely to cause a flare-up.
Try erecting a sign saying 'Private - No Parking' which you can readily obtain from most large DIY stores.

[ianess]

Put up a sign telling anyone that you block in that there will be a lengthy delay in finding your car keys . They'll soon get the message.

[Electrochem]

Whilst I agree that blocking someone in may stop them parking there again, it is likeley to lead to a breach of the peace, which the police will certainly be interested in.

As has been stated, wheel clamping has to be licensed and rightly so.

It never ceases to amaze me how many people will park in spaces which are obviously private. Very few people seem to drive and or park with consideration for others.

My first approach would be to put a polite notice under their wiper.

[markja]

arrange for a big delivery of earth/sand /bricks etc to be dropped on your drive if they don't take any notice of the polite ways. ie. note under wipers/sign on the wall. is it the same person who is doing this or several?

[Monstersdad]

Peterd, I would heartily suggest you blocking them in, just as long as there is a notice somewhere saying this is private parking for resident only. Then when someone knocks at your door, explain that "You're terribly sorry, you are unable to move your car as you've had a few glasses of wine with dinner and driving your car would be illegal. I'd be pretty sure it would never happen again!