[Mahoki56]

I don't have a drive way but would like an electric car. My property has no pavement next to it (just fence then road) but on the opposite side of the road there is a pavement and that's where people like to park. There's not enough space on the road to park on both sides so if people are parked by the pavement and I parked by my fence then the road would be obstructed. But if everyone was out for the day, leaving both sides clear, would I be allowed to park next to my fence? Obviously there would be a tremendous amount of tutting when people got back but would I be clear legally? I expect to need to charge no more often than over night once or twice per month so there would be plenty of time for the tutting to subside before it starts again. Eventually I will apply for planning permission to get a driveway but I can't afford to install that just yet.


I made a little diagram where the wavy bit is my fence (with no pavement next to it) and the coloured blocks are parked cars (on the side with the pavement):


https://imgur.com/OJQLYrj


I feel like I should probably photograph my parked car in case someone parks opposite and claims that I was the one to park second and block the road.

[TC1474]

Originally Posted by Mahoki56

I don't have a drive way but would like an electric car. My property has no pavement next to it (just fence then road) but on the opposite side of the road there is a pavement and that's where people like to park. There's not enough space on the road to park on both sides so if people are parked by the pavement and I parked by my fence then the road would be obstructed. But if everyone was out for the day, leaving both sides clear, would I be allowed to park next to my fence? Obviously there would be a tremendous amount of tutting when people got back but would I be clear legally? I expect to need to charge no more often than over night once or twice per month so there would be plenty of time for the tutting to subside before it starts again. Eventually I will apply for planning permission to get a driveway but I can't afford to install that just yet.


I made a little diagram where the wavy bit is my fence (with no pavement next to it) and the coloured blocks are parked cars (on the side with the pavement):


https://imgur.com/OJQLYrj


I feel like I should probably photograph my parked car in case someone parks opposite and claims that I was the one to park second and block the road.

Firstly, the law is quite clear that if you park on the road on the carriageway on any road, you commit an offence of obstruction and the offence is absolute. However, discretion is applied in many cases where there are no clear restrictions in place.

Those parked on the pavement commit 2 offences (unless like some areas where they are designated parking areas) which is again obstruction and driving elsewhere than on a road.

Both carry points and substantial fines, but like the 1st scenario, blind eyes tend to be turned until it goes wrong, then you could be subject to prosecution and in both cases you could be subject to having your vehicle seized and removed.

So there is no simple answer. You can do as you suggest, or speed up the process of getting a dropped kerb and having a driveway installed thereby eliminating all of the problems you raise.

[olduser]

I would check with the local authority, and, or the police offering to have parking lights or cones.

Or a bank loan for the drive!

[Beelzebub]

If you parked by the fence, and a neighbour parked opposite you, causing an obstruction, I'd expect the police to book both of you, or indeed tow away both cars.