What to do if someone blocks your driveway - and it's legal

A motoring expert has offered advice on how to handle one of the most frustrating situations drivers often face - finding their driveway blocked by another vehicle. The Metropolitan Police, in a blog post, suggested that the first step should be to locate the owner of the obstructing vehicle and politely request them to move it.

They stated: "If someone has blocked your driveway so you can't drive in, we appreciate this can be very frustrating. If you can find the owner of the vehicle, we'd first recommend asking them politely to move it. If you can't find them, try leaving a note on their windscreen. After all, they may not realise they have caused a problem."

According to the Highway Code, parking over a dropped kerb, such as at the entrance to a driveway or footpath, is an offence. However, the police advise maintaining calm and politeness when dealing with the vehicle owner.

If the owner cannot be located, a polite note on the windscreen could help resolve the issue. If these steps fail, drivers can approach their local council if it has adopted Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE).

Residents in areas where the local council does not have Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) should contact their local police force by dialling 101, the non-emergency number. Online services like FixMyStreet can also be used to report illegal parking directly to local authorities, reports the Express.

To prevent further instances of people parking in front of their driveways, drivers could consider installing small 'no parking' signs. While it's not permitted to put up a sign on a public road without council approval, signs can be placed on private property to deter potential parkers.

Installing a security camera may also discourage motorists from blocking driveways, as they risk receiving a substantial Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).