Neighbour Parking in Front of House, Partially Impeding Driveway Access

LWill Mcdonald on 03/03/2018 - 10:21
Last edited 06/03/2018 - 19:39

So this is a long story that i will summarise as quickly as possible. Within our street, the current housing price situation has forced my neighbours kids to stay at home and live. Nothing wrong with that. However, they all have cars parked on a narrow street which can only fit 3 cars width wise across it
. It gets pretty crowded quickly in the evenings. So our issues lie with getting into our driveway because of all the cars. So 2 years ago we decided to build an additional slab on are property so we could park an additional 2 cars on are front property lot. This helped greatly as it allowed us to enter our driveway freely. Recently are next door neighbour has been consistently parking in front of our house near the driveway because he doesn't want to park on his driveway and his two garages are full. So currently the neighbour has a boat, a cavaran, a 4wd, a van and a ute. The boat, cavaran and 4wd are all parked on the road and take up some considerable real estate on the narrow road. I have confronted him about it and hes arrogantly said its a free public road "ill park where ever i want". What i'm looking for is a way that i can block him from parking right in front of house near my driveway, so i can have free access to my drive in and out. Any suggestions or ideas would be great. The best way to describe us and my neighbours is, we work full time and are never home. While my neighbour lives at home with his parents, hes about 40 years old, hes got a few cats and a large garden in his backyard that he tends to. This keeps him at home pretty at home all year round. Other times he leaves home is to go fishing in his boat.

These are photos of how he is currently parked https://imgur.com/a/lgUIq and https://imgur.com/XwC1Ahd and aerial shot https://imgur.com/a/cyspO

THANKS FOR THE HELP GUYS, heres the update of what has been done -> Trailer Purchased, Cameras Installed & Maneuvering diagram (AS2890.1 AUS standards)
https://imgur.com/a/78PMB

Home & Garden

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 05/03/2018 - 10:09

    He appears to be legally but annoyingly parked. If I had to guess, antagonising him will just make it worse for you. Sucks, I have my own neighbours do this (it's a lot more crowded, they have no where else to park even their 2nd car) but there isn't anything that can be done, you just need to be patient and take the extra 2 seconds it takes to enter your driveway more slowly.

    Literally, all you can do is park a car there when he moves, in a position that is better for you, so that he couldn't possibly park in front of it without parking illegally. That or apologise and bribe him to not do it, you have no stick while he's within the law.

    • John Kimble on 05/03/2018 - 10:15

      He bought a trailer!

      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/5705195/redir

      • tryagain on 05/03/2018 - 11:19

        And a new one by the looks of it! I think most people were thinking of a cheap one off of gumtree, maybe OP doesn't want to be "that house" with a crappy trailer sitting out the front.

      • ronnknee on 07/03/2018 - 17:34

        Complains about neighbour blocking the driveway.

        Buys a trailer to block their own driveway.

  • spriggan43 on 05/03/2018 - 10:32

    OP just needs to park in the area the neighbour uses for their boat seen in aerial shot. :) we the ozbargain community then wait for OP Neighbour to post a story about how horrible OP is for parking in that area.

  • rickxs on 05/03/2018 - 10:46

    what stops anyone hooking up & driving the trailer away ? nothing is mentioned

    ,,

    • John Kimble on 05/03/2018 - 10:47
      +1

      A wheel lock I assume

  • customundo on 05/03/2018 - 11:07

    From the photo if you can't enter your driveway then you need to surrender your license

    • Will Mcdonald on 05/03/2018 - 12:20

      i can enter fine, its a family driveway access problem. I'm guessing you don't have a neighbour who has 3 vehicles, a boat and caravan?

      • theguyrules on 05/03/2018 - 12:27
        -3

        I used to live in a cul-de-sac, it was much worse than this. lots of people would park like 50% over my driveway, leaving me with some hectic manuvering to get out.
        I just dealt with it and got better at reversing. easy.

        • Will Mcdonald on 05/03/2018 - 13:06
          +4

          yeh i don't like the fact that someone elses problem is my problem when they could be more considerate of their neighbours. I Could if i wanted to park my cars in front of his house and council would force him to place his caravan and boat elsewhere, but why would i do such a thing to a neighbour.

  • [Deactivated] on 05/03/2018 - 11:33

    He's parked legally. Unless he obstructs your driveway there's nothing you can do and nothing you should do. And a few cm over the driveway wouldn't even be enough to get worked up over. Only if you can't leave or enter your driveway safely. Part of living in suburbia is having the occasional neighbour with too many vehicles, using the street as a parking lot. Just learn to live with it.

    My neighbours occasionally have a half dozen cars parked up and down the street - group house I think. Only time I've ever had to say a word was when they put their tires over the kerb and onto my lawn. A quick word "hey, keep it on the street, not in my garden" and that was the end of it. They are pretty good neighbours to be fair. Just chill. It's no big deal.

  • sickburn on 05/03/2018 - 11:54
    +2

    I kind of feel the OP's pain. I have a somewhat steep driveway and I need to turn the steering wheel full lock (to either side) if I want to get up or down the driveway without scraping the bottom of my car (does this with a Golf, Mazda 2, Mazda 3; any car really). This becomes impossible if there are cars parked very close to the end of the driveway.

    There's a school just up the road and in the arvo there are loads of parents who park like idiots (sometimes double parking or blocking entire driveways) just so their kids don't have to walk more than 200m.

    • [Deactivated] on 05/03/2018 - 13:04
      +1

      you have exactly the same problem as me!

      from the road to my garage door, the elevation for the driveway slope is about 2m.. and i drive a rwd car with no locking diff.

  • nuno on 05/03/2018 - 12:15
    +3

    People need to consider that reversing from a main road into a driveway, while not illegal, is not all that safe as most would think. The intent to reverse is not all that clear when you have someone close behind. For the OP to reverse into his driveway he would have to slant across the road all the while hoping a P-plater doesn't come hooning around the semi-blind corner t-boning him. We all do it, but if you stop to consider the additional risk, it's not worth it. I only reverse into my driveway if I need to offload something large or backing up the trailer.

    Reversing out, otoh, is much safer because while some hazard might exist with the corner, the drivers intent is clear and can take evasive action.

    Did you know it's illegal to reverse an unnecessary distance in most Australian states? What constitutes an unnecessary distance? The constable about to fine you knows.

    • marketingpolice on 05/03/2018 - 12:25
      +1

      I try to always reverse into my driveway now after having an accident reversing on the way out. Someone came flying around the corner and slammed into me as I was reversing out. I was not happy as the Insurance company said that the party reversing out of driveway is ALWAYS at fault as it is their duty to make sure the road is clear. So now I prefer to take the risk on the way in given I am car infront, rather than take the risk that no hoon drives around the corner on my way out of my driveway.

      • Will Mcdonald on 05/03/2018 - 13:04
        +2

        Sorry about the accident, but you made an important point in me looking out for my family in accessing my property safely.

      • nuno on 06/03/2018 - 04:44

        unfortunate but i assume no one was hurt.

        The onus doesnt change whether you're backing out or driving out head on out of your driveway, so both situations you are the responsible party. I'm assuming you prefer to drive out head on for your own, perhaps better visibility ?

        However, I'm not sure whether I would prefer someone running into me while I was reversing off the main road as opposed hitting me while i was reversing out. Both painful.
        If the other party could prove that you were reversing from the main road( via their dashcam) when the accident occurred - guess who's liable again.?

        Bit of a conundrum.

        These days if there are perennial problems with speed in residential areas, the council lays down its speed deterrant devices, speed humps, islands etc.. petitioned by residents more often than not.

  • MetaphorOZB on 05/03/2018 - 13:08
    +1

    OP I have been in this situation before.

    I dealt with it in a rather passive-aggressive manner by consistently parking in the spot I did not want obscured myself (plus parking right in between the two driveways so he could not park in front or behind me legally). Once he got into the routine of parking somewhere else on the street a few houses down, I resumed parking in my garage and had no further issues.

    • Will Mcdonald on 05/03/2018 - 13:23

      alot of hardwork, well done.

    • abuch47 on 06/03/2018 - 17:23

      I also do this but neighbour will park as close as possible to my bumper even if its over his driveway.

      legit same situation.

      boat in driveway, foodtruck on street, trailer on his grass and two cars one in driveway one out front of my house. My other neighbour does the same but not as bad. Also puts his bins in front of my house. buying a new car soon and will leave the old one sitting very close to his driveway while i park in front of that.

  • Munki on 05/03/2018 - 13:27
    +3

    Put grout into his tyres.

    • sickburn on 05/03/2018 - 14:25
      +3

      After throwing yellow (or green) tennis balls at his ute?

      • Munki on 05/03/2018 - 15:14
        +2

        They're clearly green!

  • lgacb08 on 05/03/2018 - 15:04

    Consider yourself lucky because he hasn't contemplating parking the boat or caravan at that spot. Maybe he has but probably he loves the other two than his ute. But honestly doing a turn around the cul-de-sac is still a privilege. And that street is still quite wide in today standard.
    I think most of the issues is yourself being pedantic and act as you own a piece of the road in front of your bedroom, lounge room or whatever and that caused things to escalate. You can listen to some other suggestions here getting a box trailer parked in that part of the road but that's the only war you're winning, no one knows what can happen next and you'll find yourself in constant war with your neighbours.
    or you could try to talk with him and being sorry for your previous dobbing incident and defuse the situation. And in the mean time working on your manoeuvring skills with your big SUV too.

    • Will Mcdonald on 05/03/2018 - 15:18
      +2

      He can't park the boat or caravan in front of my house as its against my local council regulations. I can though park my cars in front of his house forcing him to reallocate his boat to a jetty or mates place.
      My driving skills are perfectly fine and above standards of local Sydney drivers, its a tight maneuver period.
      I'm concerned about my household in general who also drive cars in and out of my property. In any respectable manner, do you believe is it normal for a neighbour to park all 3 vehicles, a boat and caravan on public road just to abuse neigbours kindness?

      • susmind on 07/03/2018 - 01:49
        -4

        Did you talk with neighbour about being considerate of others before sicking council onto him ?
        If not then it's your fault for starting a war with no thought of what it would take to go all the way to the end to win or else working on a compromise,
        I mean you know where the us empire going down vs china empire going up is going to end(you & me & everyone else) dont you !?

        If you have to put up with someone within the letter of the law then you have to live with them around.
        Maybe if you started war with council attack before talks then you could offer peace talks.
        Offer to pay council fine value + 20% to see if peace talks can achieve anything …

        • Will Mcdonald on 07/03/2018 - 09:20

          yeh we did talk to him several times and he was very adamant the road is public access and he will use it as much as he wants. Pretty much he has no courtesy or regard for his neighbours, I also noticed his neighbour on the otherside ended up parking their cars on the council strip because of the boat and caravan. It's illegal to park on the council strip as long as council doesn't come and check but where else are they goign to park.

  • moo on 05/03/2018 - 15:52
    +3

    Have you tried parking in front of his house instead? Get an old registered car and park it there. Sharing is caring.

    • Will Mcdonald on 05/03/2018 - 16:59
      +1

      That would be the funniest thing ever considering his boat and caravan occupy those spots. If i did park a registered car than he would have to park those 2 eyesores at his mates place. But considering we all work and don't have time to mess around with a lousy neighbor. it's best not to

  • Gershom on 05/03/2018 - 15:53
    -1

    Expand your driveway if you can't get in it, or learn to drive. I only live in properties where I can turn around in the driveway - drive in drive out.

    • Will Mcdonald on 05/03/2018 - 16:57
      +2

      11.4 metre turning circle for a cx9. You must be living in a paddock or something

      • Gershom on 06/03/2018 - 04:48
        -1

        Ever heard of a 3 point turn? No wonder you're having trouble driving.

  • Cleremy on 05/03/2018 - 16:08

    Maybe you could find a trailer (or something similar) to leave in the spot where he likes to park. Guy may be selfish and not thinking of the wider community.

    If he doesn't have a dashcam you could start letting down the tyres at night (should be straightforward as the car is at the front of your house, not his).

    • John Kimble on 05/03/2018 - 16:15
      -2

      Maybe you could read before you post.

  • bigboy69 on 05/03/2018 - 18:11

    hire a tow truck and tow that mofo 5 blocks down

  • ronnknee on 05/03/2018 - 18:58
    -4

    Honestly OP, your neighbour has the right to park there. There's plenty of room for you drive in/out of your driveway. You're just a whinger.

    • Will Mcdonald on 05/03/2018 - 19:10
      +6

      Of course he has the right, i also have the right to park all my 5 cars on the road and park them right in front of his 12 metre frontage. But on the other hand i'm not a piece of shit. I understand my neighbours can't afford to park their cars on their property, so i built a slab and park 4 of my cars on my property. Your argument lacks context and is just appalling.

      • ronnknee on 06/03/2018 - 09:35
        -1

        It's not like your neighbour has parked 4 cars in front of your property. You're making a big deal.

        If you were complaining about the neighbour opposite you for taking up to 3 parking spaces with the bins, that's more understandable.

        • John Kimble on 06/03/2018 - 09:44

          Although we might never know for sure and there is always two sides to a story, the OP believes the neighbour is parking there intentionally, knowing that it annoys him/makes it harder for the OP to get into his driveway.

          The neighbour could easily park 1 metre back or even closer to his own driveway (see 3rd picture in the OP).

          Given the details put forward I would tend to agree with him.

          He's bought a trailer and put it there now, so problem solved (for now).

          This thread should be closed.

      • KangaBanga on 06/03/2018 - 14:07
        -1

        nice thread lol. Firstly there is no point talking to the neighbour anymore unless you are prepared to reimburse him for the fine. Damage has been done, you now have the "i am an a$$" label as all the other neighbours would know about you reporting to council now. In fact, in the future, if anyone got fined by council, they might just assume it was you who called even if it was not.

        Since you have 5 cars, it should be no problem to just park one permanently in that spot when he moves his vehicle like many others here have suggested. In fact, you should probably park another car out front of your place so all the parking space in front of your house is taken up by your own cars. Not sure why you are asking about this issue.

        In any case, life goes on.

    • [Deactivated] on 05/03/2018 - 23:02
      -2

      so let's say 50 or so ozbargainers can park on your street? and within 1m of your driveway both left and right and directly opposite your driveway leaving just 3m gap? :P you are so kind :)

  • SupeNintendoChalmers on 05/03/2018 - 20:22
    +2

    considering the state of housing affordability, with more and more young adults unable to crack the housing market, consider this a taste of things to come .

    • Will Mcdonald on 05/03/2018 - 20:45

      true there mate

    • [Deactivated] on 05/03/2018 - 22:58
      +1

      yes in sydney and melbourne, not in other states :)

  • [Deactivated] on 05/03/2018 - 21:08

    Put some bananas on his mufflers.

    • John Kimble on 05/03/2018 - 21:45
      +1

      OK, Axel

      • Will Mcdonald on 06/03/2018 - 11:11

        "We're not going to fall for the banana in the tailpipe"

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 05/03/2018 - 21:18

    Bikes?

    • Cheemeister on 05/03/2018 - 23:42
      +3

      So close.

      • joungs on 06/03/2018 - 04:49
        +3

        Well if OP replaces all his cars with bikes this problem will be solved

  • SaddenAscentAspirin on 06/03/2018 - 10:14
    -1

    Buy a bunch of small trailers from gumtree. when he moves one of his vehicles/trailers, put the small trailer in the spot.

  • MementoMori on 06/03/2018 - 11:42
    +5

    To a city dweller like me this is nothing.

    Come to inner Melbourne, it's not unusual to have at least a bumper bar covering my driveway, so I can only enter/exit in/out of one direction only.

    Best way to stop things like this is to stop voting for parties supporting the huge population increase.

    • Will Mcdonald on 06/03/2018 - 11:48
      +1

      yeh i suppose its fine in the city but i'm about 40km away from sydney city. I'm part of the hornsby shire where they still allow boat parking on streets

      • sanjeevkathuria on 06/03/2018 - 14:04

        Hi Will, why dont you extend your drive from other end.he is taking your driveway from one end.if possible you can extend your driveway from other end then you will have decent space(less annoying) and it will be annoying for your neighbor as his purpose of harassing you will not be fulfilled….apologies if i am saying something wrong.

        • Will Mcdonald on 07/03/2018 - 09:24
          -1

          Yeh i did look into increasing the width of my driveway, theres a storm water drain on one side and on the other side is a big forest gumtree which will rip up anything placed next to it. So no luck there with extending the driveway. Its easier also cheaper for me to purchase a trailer than extending the driveway.

    • nuno on 06/03/2018 - 19:41

      yeah… stop breeding and only one vehicle per person per household. if you're 18yo wants a car, they will have to find their own off street parking.

  • idonotknowwhy on 06/03/2018 - 18:32
    +1

    Seems like there's a stupid question about cars on the front page every week!

    • nuno on 06/03/2018 - 19:35

      what was yours?

      • idonotknowwhy on 06/03/2018 - 19:37
        +1

        Don't worry, when I have any minor issues with my car, I'll post here and let you know, you can help me get to the front page :)

  • Takeonme on 07/03/2018 - 14:50
    +3

    Holy crap new trailer and cameras?!
    How much has this cost so far?!?

    Love your work!

    • Will Mcdonald on 12/03/2018 - 13:42

      $ 1600 for trailer (jockey wheel, spare wheel, cage included)
      $ 400 for cameras (installation i did)

      • Of Aquitaine on 18/02/2020 - 23:48

        Take the trailer out with a mate and collect some boulders. Dump boulders where trailer was. Sell trailer. Quids in.

  • MementoMori on 07/03/2018 - 16:59

    Watches thread with interest. Will go heat up some popcorn. Keep us posted.

    You've swayed me now, he could have parked 1 meter back, esp if you are 40km out of Sydney.

    Anyway to make the trailer look more legitmate? (i.e. actually use it a bit?).

    Do you have a story in mind if he asks you about it?

    • Will Mcdonald on 12/03/2018 - 13:40

      Pretty much "I use it to transport stuff". Still need to get a towbar for one of my cars though.

    • sky blu on 16/03/2018 - 02:24

      Who gives a crap about "having a story" in case the neighbour asks OP about it? If he'd even ask, then he would have had an ounce of being considerate in the first place.

  • KBZ on 07/03/2018 - 18:30

    What if he starts parking on the other side of your driveway? Will that annoy you turning left as you exit your driveway?

    • John Kimble on 07/03/2018 - 18:40
      +1

      He doesn't need to go left as it's a cul de sac.

  • lilchonk on 16/03/2018 - 15:18
    +1

    Hey op how's it all going? How's the mood with the neighbours? Props to you for doing what you did I would have done the same thing. I know you called the council on them from a prior incident and that's why they played the petty game but for what it's worth I still thing you did the right thing.

    Also would recommend attaching a gps tracker to the trailer should it ever disappear.

    • Will Mcdonald on 17/03/2018 - 01:48

      I have wheel locked the trailer and got cameras watching it. I was even thinking he could push the trailer with his 4wd and bullbar, however nothing has happened so far. His mum gives us dirty looks, thats about it. Once he moves i will sell the trailer and pretty much make my money back.
      I can if i want get another wheel lock or put a chain around the tree and trailer?

      • marketingpolice on 17/03/2018 - 02:17

        just remember to move it from time to time (when you know he's out) as you don't want him to report you to council for not moving it even if it is just a little forward or a little backwards.. I had a petty neighbour complain that one of the other neighbours did not move their caravan to the council. And council came out to demand they move it and luckily put them on notice instead of handing out a fine.

      • DKZ370 on 04/02/2020 - 13:26

        Just curious - did he ever end up moving and have you sold your trailer?

  • Laziofogna on 17/03/2018 - 21:00

    Neighbour is planning revenge so be cautious.

  • whooah1979 on 25/04/2018 - 08:42

    op, do you have an update?

    btw cam01 and cam04 needs a clean. it looks like it's got some kfc grease smudges. the bushes in cam02 needs a prune for a better view. cam03 needs a ~45deg adjustment.

  • tango mango on 31/01/2020 - 10:47

    I was told that it is actually illegal to park trailers out the front of your own house unless it is attached to your vehicles?

  • tango mango on 31/01/2020 - 10:54

    @Will, I looked at your photos but the vehicle in question is not really blocking access to get into your driveway, you can still access your driveway in and out… I have many photos of my neighbour who is actually illegally parking across his driveway and mine blocking access to them and it states in the laws that you are not allowed to illegally park in or across any driveways blocking them as it can result infringement notices from the Council and police where it could lead to disqualification. The police and Council don't seem to care they do NOT do anything about the legit complaints I have put in about my neighbour that illegally parks day and night in the kerbside across driveways, sometimes he parks his company work ute up on the median strip across the driveways and still Authorities do nothing about it. This neighbour has 3 vehicles that he parks out the front of his place which is not much room as they have 2 split driveways so they have plenty of room in their front yard to park the excess vehicles but this ignorant bloke decides he can park where he wants illegally.
    here are just some photos I have. 1.) https://imgur.com/Blprsh3 2.) https://imgur.com/qGno01Y 3.) https://imgur.com/X94ObYz 4.) https://imgur.com/nTa94BS
    5.) https://imgur.com/HxR7xqz 6.) https://imgur.com/VFCiNUQ And I have lot more illegal parking from this ignorant arrogant bloke, I have photo of where he has illegally parked his work company ute blocking driveway access and his personal car with trailer attached where his trailer overhangs over the boundary onto the footpath where pedestrians could injure themselves, and police and council do not do anything so your minor complaint is nothing compared to what I have. :)

    Common Parking Fines:
    Park or stop on a road in a way that blocks access to a path or driveway unless:
    -you drive a bus and are dropping off or picking up passengers
    -you are dropping off or picking up passengers within 2 minutes of stopping
    -you park in a parking bay
    -you do not leave the vehicle unattended.

    • tango mango on 31/01/2020 - 12:38

      I read somewhere on a forum that you can call a tow truck at owners expense to have their vehicle towed from being illegally parked hmm wonder if you can do that in Australia?

  • Alann2 on 10/05/2020 - 11:09

    Just sharing our experienced. You can suggest tho but not to the point of rediculousness.
    I built a house in north Gold Coast where the street is narrow. ( I was the 5 resident to moved in) i didn’t know that council has approved 10 duplexes every 2nd houses in this culdesac. Unlucky we are next to one of that and sharing a 2 meters footpath with them.

    The young couple have moved in to the 1 BR unit next to me. They use the garage for 2 push bikes and 2 motorbikes. They have 2 cars and 1 being park in the driveway the other one being park smack bang across my driveway.

    My driveway is quiet elevated and I cannot drive up so I have to reverse. I work different shifts at the hospital and I struggle to come up my driveway. So I approached the male Tennent to park his car across the house they’re renting. I also told him how many time I came close to hit his car. He replied “it’s council property 2ndly his mrs will have a trouble reversing out so keep you eyeballs on my car when going forward” hmmm. I know it’s council but what about a decency and consideration ? then he slammed the door at me where my partner heard from our house.
    He would also cut short using our driveway to get to their property. On one occasion he cane up the driveway scratching the concrete on his way up to charge his Mrs car battery without asking permission apparently “he doesn’t need too”.

    The next day hubby working in the garage saw him parking his car across our driveway and cut short to come up. He was approached by my hubby as to “why” he said he loves irritating us. He asked his Mrs to video it while coming towards my hubby. My hubby screamed “stay back” as he was pushing him back (with his palm) to his property. I put myself in the middle for the guy to stop approaching him and I said not worthy so he listened and went in. We rang the police station to explain what just had happened and police replied as long as no one bleeding or hurt they would not send out a police. A week after, my hubby did the same thing what he was doing and they didn’t like it so they both came up with agreement not to irritate each other and shook hands.
    2 weeks after, 2 police officers came and talked to my hubby bec he filed a complained based on the 5 sec (heavily edited) video that he was being pushed back from my property ( feet not even shown) He explained that they’ve sorted their differences and the offices were shocked like “ what are we doing here” Cut story short, my hubby is being charged with that 5 sec video.

    We have lots of photos of annoyance including his customers parked on that 2 meters footpath blocking half of my driveway. Council was called, cane and gone left a number to call if it occurs again. Right now he’s in his best behaviour see what happens after the court hearing in 4 months time- what a waste of time clogging the system.

    • whooah1979 on 10/05/2020 - 11:16
      +1

      as he was pushing him back (with his palm)

      Your partners shouldn’t have done that. Use words next time.

  • Alann2 on 10/05/2020 - 20:29

    My partner did that many times in a nice way but kept on ignoring him. When asked he wants to annoy him coz he’s getting angry. He even drive up onto my driveway without permission or even walk across our driveway to get to their property. How long a person can take it.

    • whooah1979 on 10/05/2020 - 20:43

      Was he in the inside of your boundary line or was he on the crossover?

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