Driveways + Blocking

Noxia · 19 Jul 2011 at 19:52

First off, I'm not trying to be obstructive or to cause my neighbours any grief I'm just pre empting a situation.

Here is my amazing diagram.

Very simple, the black square is a now converted chapel and the car park is council owned free for anyone to use, fits about 7 cars which is plenty. Now, the chapel has a driveway on it's own grounds that requires it to cross the footpath, through the car park and on to the highway. Therefore I would be blocking their car in were I to park in the public space.
I've had a look about and as I understand it, if there is NO car on the drive, then I am legally entitled to park there as I am not obstructing their access to the highway, it would only be an offence if I parked there when there is a car on the drive?
They have two cars and I'd imagine it would make sense and be polite for them to park the second car infront of their own drive which according to Mother has been done. I can see it happening when it's the only space left and before I go and obstruct their drive I wanted to make sure I wasn't doing anything illegal. Obviously it would antagonise the neighbours but needs must.
Appreciate any advice.

byteagig · 19 Jul 2011 at 20:03

Whether its legal or not, its not a very nice thing to do.

Noxia · 19 Jul 2011 at 20:04

As I said, I'm not doing it on purpose nor do I intend to when I can avoid it but I'm not going out of my way to park further away from my house if I can legally park there.

fidget · 19 Jul 2011 at 20:18

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069860

243

DO NOT stop or park
snip
•in front of an entrance to a property
snip

except when forced to do so by stationary traffic.

No, you shouldn't and you could get a ticket for causing obstruction (as well as royally ******* them off).

Noxia · 19 Jul 2011 at 20:21

It's not the entrance though, it's the driveway, I do believe these are treated differently. I'm not worried about annoying them yet, they may well be cooperative.

Frenzy · 19 Jul 2011 at 20:30

Turn a negative into a positive. I park away as far as I can from where I work so I can walk in for the exercise. I always leave space on my drive for others for the same reason.

[ASSE]Hinchy · 19 Jul 2011 at 20:30

Don't be a ****.

Noxia · 19 Jul 2011 at 20:32

Frenzy said:
Turn a negative into a positive. I park away as far as I can from where I work so I can walk in for the exercise. I always leave space on my drive for others for the same reason.

We're talking a minimal amount of distance here, I'm just being pedantic.

[ASSE]Hinchy;19619622 said:
Don't be a ****.

I'm not yet, but if they insist on taking up two spaces instead of one then it's game on.

sniffy · 19 Jul 2011 at 20:35

Noxia said:
They have two cars and I'd imagine it would make sense and be polite for them to park the second car infront of their own drive which according to Mother has been done.

Sounds pretty reasonable but I wouldn't be a **** if they refuse.

Pudney · 19 Jul 2011 at 20:36

If you don't want to cause grief then leave a note in your car letting your neighbours know where to go to ask you to move your car if it does cause issues. There you go, still being considerate!

Richie · 19 Jul 2011 at 20:39

Noxia said:
We're talking a minimal amount of distance here, I'm just being pedantic.

I'm not yet, but if they insist on taking up two spaces instead of one then it's game on.

That's your choice but be prepared for grief and possibly police involvement for blocking access.

Wicksta · 19 Jul 2011 at 20:43

It's worth remembering if you have any neighbour disputes and mummy wants to sell the house she'll have to declare this.

Mercenary Keyboard Warrior · 19 Jul 2011 at 20:44

To my mind it would depend on if they have a right of way to cross the carpark, if they don't then they are at risk of being blocked in simples.
You cant just build a driveway thats not adjacent to a public right of way and expect it to automatically have a right of way.

5punk3monk3y · 19 Jul 2011 at 20:47

Do you honestly call your mum Mother?

Richie · 19 Jul 2011 at 20:49

robskinner said:
You cant just build a driveway thats not adjacent to a public right of way and expect it to automatically have a right of way.

A public carpark is not a public RoW? :confused:

Noxia · 19 Jul 2011 at 20:56

Richie said:
A public carpark is not a public RoW?

A public footpath runs between the carpark and their house, not sure if that counts as a public RoW?

C.R.A.Z.Y · 19 Jul 2011 at 21:04

Glad I don't have someone like you as a neighbour ! You sound very petty and childish tbh!

Noxia · 19 Jul 2011 at 21:05

C.R.A.Z.Y said:
Glad I don't have someone like you as a neighbour ! You sound very petty and childish tbh!

I am

j.col · 19 Jul 2011 at 21:14

is there a drop kerb on front of the entrance?
if not then you can park along the kerb as long as you are not causing an obstruction on the road or there are no yellow lines

Noxia · 19 Jul 2011 at 21:16

j.col said:
is there a drop kerb on front of the entrance?
if not then you can park along the kerb as long as you are not causing an obstruction on the road or there are no yellow lines

No sir, it's in rather an odd place, it is level with the pavement/path that is level with the carpark and road. The space directly infront of their drive is still the public carpark.