Highway Code legal loophole with blocking driveways as police can’t do anything

Going to your car to find it has been blocked by another driver is a nightmare.

Not knowing how long the person will be can cause a huge deal of anxiety if you're in a rush.

But did you know certain conditions under the Highway Code mean that a car shouldn't be moved if it is blocking?

Unfortunately there is a legal loophole meaning motorists can actually park in annoying places.

Here is everything you need to know about parking in front of a driveway according to the Highway Code.

It's worth noting not all Highway Codes are legally binding and there is a difference between you "must not" and "do not".

Rule 243 states people should not stop "in front of an entrance to a property".

But this only relates to if the car is also blocking the road.

Solicitor Charlotte Dixon previously told the Mirror: "The Highway Code can only help if the parked car is causing an obstruction to the road but not in relation to private land."

Also the rule comes under the latter and stipulates people should not stop unless forced to do so by stationary traffic.

But a legal loophole says that any car can park on your driveway and authorities can't do anything about it because it's a private property.

It can be removed if the police believe it has been abandoned, but if it has a valid MOT, is taxed and insured, then there's little that can be done.

If it's a designated space, you can contact the authority but there is always a chance the driver didn't realise and the issue can be solved by a conversation or note.

Charlotte added: "The first step with any anti-social parking problem is to contact your local authority or the police; however there is little the law can do to support home owners – even if a car blocks your driveway."

The Met Police also advised: "If someone has blocked your driveway so you can't drive in, we appreciate this can be very frustrating.

"If you can find the owner of the vehicle, we'd first recommend asking them politely to move it. If you can't find them, try leaving a note on their windscreen. After all, they may not realise they have caused a problem."

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