A reader asks for advice on dealing with a car repeatedly parked on their private driveway. The response explains the legal aspects of trespassing and outlines steps to take, including gathering evidence, politely requesting the car be moved, and reporting the incident to the police if necessary.
On returning home from an afternoon of shopping, I keep finding a car parked on my drive. I live in a cul-de-sac near a primary school and suspect a parent is just trying their luck. On one occasion I went inside to call the police but by the time I came out it had gone. What are my rights? Can I issue a fine? A. S. S., Winchester.
Dean Dunham replies: When someone parks on your private property without permission, it’s considered trespassing, which can be both a criminal offence and a matter that can be pursued through the civil courts. The law that covers trespass is the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, which says that it becomes a criminal offence if the trespass involves other actions like causing damage or refusing to leave after being asked. With this in mind, when you are faced with someone parking on your land without permission there are two steps you should initially take. Uninvited guest: A reader returned home from Christmas shopping to discover a car parked on their driveway Firstly, gather evidence: take photos of the car and note the time and date; and secondly, if you see the owner of the vehicle ask them to move it, politely, otherwise leave a polite note on the vehicle asking them to move it and not to park on your land again. These prior steps are important, as your next step will be to report the matter to the police if the trespass continues. The police will take notice only if you can prove the trespass and prove you have already asked the perpetrator to stop. At this point I must give a word of warning. If you speak to the owner of the vehicle or leave them a note, do not use any language that could be construed as threatening or overly forceful, as this will turn the tables and land you in hot water with the police. Likewise, do not take any steps that would cause any damage to the vehicle. Prevention is always better than cure so there are two further steps you could tak
Trespassing Parking Property Rights Criminal Offence Police
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Woman taken to hospital after crash with parked carThe car had flipped on its side following the crash
Read more »
Police called after car smashes into two parked vehiclesThe crash happened less than five minutes away from where a police car, which had been responding to an emergency, crashed
Read more »
Drunk man left Glasgow casino driving Audi into bollard, wall and parked carAnthony McDermott had spent the night boozing at the casino in Glasgow when he decided to get behind the wheel of his Audi A5 and attempt to drive home on October 10.
Read more »
Kidderminster dog owner jailed for throwing pet at parked carJamie Cook, 27, is sentenced to 16 weeks in jail and banned from owning a dog for 10 years.
Read more »
Explosion heard as car 'set alight' in suspected arson attack outside homeVideo footage from the scene shows flames soaring from the car parked outside a property
Read more »
E-bike rider mowed down schoolgirl while trying to evade captureHe also crashed into a parked car
Read more »