Is there a law that governs where you can park a 7.5 tonne lorry?

[dathmalo]

my parents in law have a resident in their street that parks a rather unsightly, smelly 7.5 tonne lorry on his drive. They are woken early every morning by the noise of it starting up and as the owner deals in waste removal, the smell that comes from it, especially in hot weather is disgusting. Any advice as to what we can do about it?

[ugly_bob]

not a lot, unless you're in a truck free zone overnight.
Only thing to do would be to go to environmental health about smell. Have they tried talking to him?

[Catso]

If it's a 7� tonne, then in many matters it is regarded the same as a car IE you can park pretty much anywhere that is legal.

It could also (probably) enter a truck-free zone, as most of these apply to 7� tonne+ vehicles.

If over 7� tonne, very different rules apply: in your case, he would be using his house as an operating base, which would need licensing. And in a purely residential environment, he wouldn't get it.

What to do: speak to environmental health in respect of the early morning noise (early means different things to different people though!) and the smell nuisance. (Never had much joy with EH myself, but yours may be more helpful.)

[Sphinx_Svens]

A can of white-spirit in the tank will sort it ot

[redcrx]

Does the vehicle belong to a company or does the neighbour run it as a sole trader?

the company that owns the 7.5 tonne will also need an operators licence although it can be driven on a normal driving licence.

Have you spoken to your local council to see what they advise. Or enviromental health due to the smell?

I wonder if your neighbour knows that if he uses the vehicle to get to and from work he may be liable for tax.

[lordstevie67]

hi dathmalo,it is normal with most local councils not to allow any commercial vehicles of any kind to park in housing estates regardless of size check it out with your local mp,that what they are for..good luck.

[bazmoore]

sometimes there are notes in the deeds for houses stating certain vehicles including vans caravans etc cannot be parked near to residences.
maybe worth seeing your solicitor
baz

[PhilLew]

If he is using it for business then he must have an opperators licence, this will have been issued by the local Department of Transport office (which you will find under local government in your phone book). The 'O' licence states where the vehicle will be parked over night and where the bussines is opperated from. it seem unlikley they would issue a licence for that type of business to a residential address.

If he doesn't have an 'O' licence for that address then inform the Department of Transport

[sddsddean]

Not demeaning Phil, but he is a bit wrong. Operators Licences are issued by the local VOSA Traffic Area office. Here is a list http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/vosalocations/traf ficareaoffices.htm
Go and have a look in the windscreen by the tax disc and there should be another disc in either green, blue, orange or white (but probably blue). This will have the O Licence number on it (something like OF 123456) and the name of the operator and the vehicle reg (check its the same!). If the disc is not displayed he is operating illegally. Phone your relevant Traffic Office from the list and tell them. They will sort it out.

[PhilLew]

None taken :)

[sddsddean]

Thanks!

[dathmalo]

Thanks very much for all your help! I have noted all your suggestions and will pass them on to the in laws, heres hoping that one is successful. Thanks again.