My neighbour keeps blocking our shared drive even though I need it free at ALL times for vital reason…there’s no respect
A FED-UP homeowner is at their wit’s end after a three-year battle over a shared driveway.
The family, who have complex medical needs, have claimed their “nightmare neighbours” constantly block in their car.
Taking to Reddit, the user said that due to their health conditions, they need to have 24hr access to their cars.
“My neighbour of over 3 years now keeps blocking the shared driveway in different ways,” they explained.
“When we first moved we went to their door and introduced ourselves and how the shared driveway that leads to our backyard would need to have 24-hour access as we have multiple cars and family members with medical conditions that could mean 1am hospital trips at any time.”
However, they said that despite knowing this information, their neighbours still block the drive.
“It doesn’t have to be in that exact spot and can be moved back, so clearly a lack of respect or consideration,” they continued.
They said that there has been major arguments over the driveway, which has resulted in the other family “yelling” in response.
They have resorted to documenting the dispute by taking photos of their car being blocked in.
Exhausted by the constant battle, they have asked for advice on what their rights are and how to deal with the matter.
Other Reddit users shared similar stories of their own experiences with shared driveways.
This comes after a driver claimed their neighbour always parks in the middle of their shared driveway.
The anonymous motorist took to social media to vent his frustration – saying that their neighbour doesn’t even drive his car that often, so it’s always blocking the way.
Reddit user @u/InsertStephenHere claims that they live in a student apartment and share the driveway with their neighbours.
The motorist said on the post: “You can normally fit four cars in a single driveway, but my neighbour parks with so much extra space in front that it prevents someone from parking behind him.”
They also uploaded a picture to the forum that shows their neighbour’s car parked in the middle of the driveway to demonstrate that there’s not enough space for them to park.
Shared driveways: what are your rights?
The Highways Act 1980, which applies in England and Wales, says a person shouldn't obstruct a highway - including a shared driveway
If a neighbour blocks a shared driveway, they are technically breaking the law.
Shared driveways have different ownership arrangements that are often written into the deeds for the home.
Often, the driveway is owned by one person but their neighbour has the right to use it to access their property (right of way).
Most commenters have advised the poster to speak with his neighbour to solve this situation instead of complaining about him on social media.
One said: “Instead of b****ing on Reddit, ask him to move it forward.”
Another said: “I’d get him towed.”
A third pointed out: “You can tell this is the most adversity they’ve faced this far in their life.
“Afraid to introduce themselves to a neighbour that would probably move their car if needed.”