As the bank holiday approaches, many homeowners may be tempted to reserve parking spaces for visitors, but legal experts warn that such actions could be illegal. On public roads, no resident has a special claim to the space outside their home, and any driver can park there legally, provided they are insured and not blocking a driveway or dropped kerb.
Under Section 137 of the Highways Act 1980, it is an offence to wilfully obstruct the highway without lawful authority. This means that leaving out cones or other objects to save a parking spot is prohibited unless permission has been granted by the local highway authority. Offenders could face imprisonment of up to 51 weeks, a fine, or both.
If you encounter someone reserving a public parking space, you can report the obstruction to your local council. The government advises reporting issues such as illegal signs or cones via Gov.uk. While it may be tempting to move the cone yourself, doing so could lead to accusations of theft under the Theft Act 1968, and may also escalate tensions with neighbours.
For those dealing with parking disputes, a friendly conversation is often the best first step. Gov.uk and Citizens Advice recommend discussing the problem calmly or writing a letter if approaching in person is difficult. Involving other affected neighbours can also help resolve the issue amicably.
