Urgent warning to homeowners over little-known ‘loophole' that allows neighbours to park on your driveway for free
HOMEOWNERS are being warned over a little-known parking loophole that could leave you fuming.
Experts have raised the alarm after revealing there's no law stopping people from leaving their motor on someone else's private drive - and shockingly, even the council or police might not step in.
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A car leasing comparison site has issued a warning to homeowners over a 'legal grey area' which could see strangers leave vehicles on their driveways
Credit: Getty
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Motorists who have their own driveways have been cautioned about a "clear violation" that isn't a criminal offence
Credit: Getty
Drivers have been slapped with a warning over a bizarre legal loophole that could see complete strangers park on your private driveway - and get away with it scot-free.
Experts at car leasing site LeaseLoco have raised the alarm, revealing there's no law to stop cheeky motorists from dumping their car on your property, even though it's a 'clear violation' of personal space.
Boss John Wilmot said: 'Many homeowners are shocked to discover that a stranger parking in their driveway isn't actually a criminal offence, despite it being a clear violation of personal space.
"This legal grey area can be frustrating, especially if you live in a busy area where it happens regularly, so it's important to take steps to prevent unwanted parking in the first place."
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So, what's the solution?
John suggested: "While the most effective way to protect your property is installing a driveway gate, putting out simple deterrents like parking bollards or posts, cones and signs can also help to prevent strangers from parking in your driveway.
"If you do find yourself in a situation where you come home and see a stranger parking on your property, remember to never take matters into your own hands, or it can land you in serious trouble."
He added: "On the flip side, if you live near venues or in busy areas, this situation can be turned into an opportunity, as you could allow other motorists to park in your driveway - on your own terms.
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"Renting out your driveway when you're not using it is becoming increasingly popular and can be a great way to earn some extra income."
He urged Brits to take action now to stop unwelcome drivers, especially in packed neighbourhoods where it could become a regular nightmare.
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Meanwhile, millions of Brits could be breaking the
Motor experts have issued a warning to homeowners, revealing that pulling in forwards instead of reversing could land you in hot water for 'careless' driving.
According to the Highway Code, reversing into your driveway is safer and reduces the risk of hitting a pedestrian or another road user - but it's a rule many admit they're clueless about.
Car pros at Yell branded the mistake a 'bad habit' that's gone under the radar, urging drivers to think twice before swinging their motors in nose-first.
Most common illegal driving activities
Here's a list of reckless driving behaviour and the fines and penalties you risk getting from it.
Using phone while driving
A cheeky glance at a phone screen will result in six penalty points on your licence and a £200 fine.
New drivers might lose their licence if caught doing so within two years of obtaining it.
Speeding
Lovers of fast and furious will end up with a minimum of three points and a £100 fine.
Running a red light
This offence will incur three points and £100 fine.
Middle lane hogging
It constitutes careless driving and police will hand you a £100 fine with three penalty points.
Undertaking
This could possibly result in three points on your licence and a £100 fine.
The experts said: "It's a habit many
drivers
don't think twice about - pulling straight into the driveway after a long day, ready to head inside and relax.
"But did you know that this common parking manoeuvre could actually go against Highway Code guidance?
"According to the rules of the road, drivers should reverse into their driveways rather than driving in forward and reversing out later.
"While there's no specific law against it, reversing onto a busy road can be seen as careless and inconsiderate driving, especially if it causes an obstruction or puts other road users at risk."
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According to the Highway Code, reversing into your driveway is safer
Credit: Getty
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