Parking on private property and driveways

Summary

Parking on a public road outside your house is generally permitted if local rules are followed — you cannot reserve the space. Parking on your private driveway without permission is trespass. Blocking a dropped kerb (including access to a driveway) is illegal. Report obstruction to the police (101) or local council. Do not move or damage the vehicle yourself.

Key information

• Public road: Anyone may park if they follow parking regulations. You cannot legally reserve the space outside your house. A polite request is courtesy, not enforceable.
• Private driveway: The owner controls who parks there. Unauthorised parking is trespassing. You can ask the driver to move, leave a note, call 101, or contact the council.
• Dropped kerb: It is illegal to park in front of a dropped kerb under the Highway Code — this blocks driveway access. Report to police or council.
• Parking across your driveway from the road: Blocking the dropped kerb is illegal; parking opposite a driveway is not necessarily illegal but may be inconsiderate.
• Cones on public road: Placing cones on a public road without permission may be an obstruction offence.
• Cones on private property: You may use cones on your own driveway to indicate it is private.
• Residential permits: Some councils run permit schemes — check with your local council.
• Civil action (last resort): Repeated parking on private property, property damage, or serious nuisance may justify civil action for trespass or nuisance, or an injunction — seek legal advice first.

Related topics

More in this area

• Appealing a parking ticket if you have a Blue Badge
• Appealing a parking ticket
• Complaining about bailiffs
• Stop being chased for a parking ticket
• When to appeal a parking ticket