Neighbour Taking up Two Spots

inasero on 14/09/2021 - 18:36

Hey all, am in a bit of a dilemma and would appreciate your advice. I have a neighbour on my street whose son parks his car in the middle of a kerb between two driveways, thus taking up space which would normally accommodate two cars.

I left a friendly message on the cars windscreen, along with my contact details, explaining the situation and requesting if they could please park closer to the front or the back of the kerb, as parking on our street is limited.

I received a reply "Hi xxx thanks for the note on my son's windscreen he parks there so l can back out of our driveway safely. You are right there are a lot of cars in or Ur Street and if he parks any closer to our driveway l struggle to back our without hitting one of our neighbours cars!
I hope this makes sense. Thanks for you nice note."

Now there are other spots where I can park on the street, but it is inconvenient as I have to park further down the street and then it takes longer to walk back to my house.

Am just wondering what people would advise I do in this situation and whether I have any grounds to escalate further, as it sounds like the person doesn't want to change their parking?

Thanks in advance!

Automotive

Comments

  • spackbace on 14/09/2021 - 18:41
    +29

    If the street is lined with parked cars, his reasoning makes sense… Guess you just have to get to that spot first

    • SF3 on 14/09/2021 - 20:28
      +4

      OP and neighbour don’t appear to talk, just paper notes. So there’s probably more going on than what’s in the post.

      Since no love lost, first come first serve. Or park own car to reserve the spot.

      Some council’s would get a white line marked, to park 2 cars, so that might be an option for OP.

  • inasero on 14/09/2021 - 18:44
    -5

    Is there no bylaw requiring residents to park appropriately so as not to unfairly prevent others from accessing parking?

    • spackbace on 14/09/2021 - 18:49
      +13

      Yes… it's in there somewhere… go look

      I believe it's called the "thy street is mine" by-law

      • p1 ama on 14/09/2021 - 18:51

        Yep, completely agree - if your neighbour doesn't abide by said byline, you can just tow their car to a yard and charge them for it and take their parking spot whilst you're at it.

        • spackbace on 14/09/2021 - 18:52
          +3

          I believe Sir Bean was the first to enact his rights to move a vehicle from his allotted space

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 14/09/2021 - 19:47
        +13

        In summing up. It's the constitution. It's Mabo. It's justice. It's law. It's the vibe.

    • elgrande on 14/09/2021 - 20:46

      It was in one of the 10 commandments, but got cut due to a lack of motor vehicles at the time. It was drafted as follows:

      'Thou shou not park between two driveways unless one leaves appropriate space for thy neighbor or his wife of which one must not covet'

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 15/09/2021 - 21:58

      I think it's called common sense.
      Let me guess?
      Male?
      P plater?
      Tattoos?
      Piercings?
      Iphone 12?
      Talks loudly using speakerphone?
      Smokes?
      Enough said.

  • deme on 14/09/2021 - 18:47

    I have any grounds to escalate further

    Absolutly! You can represent yourself at the council

  • p1 ama on 14/09/2021 - 18:50
    +7

    Nobody is entitled to street-side parking. It's first in, best dressed. If you believe your neighbour is actually breaking the law, then call the council if it aggrieves you that much.

  • Muzeeb on 14/09/2021 - 18:57
    +14

    I'm sure the street was chockers with cars when you chose to buy/rent there.

    Sort of like choosing to live near an airport that has been there longer than you have been alive and complaining about the noisy planes.

    I think you are lucky to have a nice neighbour who responded in a thoughtful and well justified response.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 14/09/2021 - 18:57
    +30

    Good on old mate neighbour replying so cordially.

  • popsiee on 14/09/2021 - 18:58
    -5

    You can't park in the middle of 2 designated car spaces.
    But unfortunately OP is not anonymous when the tyres get slashed .

    • MrHyde on 14/09/2021 - 19:01
      +14

      Unless there is a painted car spot on the street; there is no designated car space. Anyone can park anywhere on the kerb as long as they are not blocking a driveway.

    • coffeeinmyveins on 14/09/2021 - 20:29

      You can't park in the middle of 2 designated car spaces.

      You've just made this up. They aren't designated spots like in a garage, this is street parking between two driveways, so your point is completely irrelevant.

      But unfortunately OP is not anonymous when the tyres get slashed .

      Sure, let's slash someones tyres over them legally parking and doing nothing wrong, end then getting done by the cops and having to pay for that. Smart move.

      • Zachary on 21/09/2021 - 19:12

        Sure, let's slash someones tyres over them legally parking and doing nothing wrong, end then getting done by the cops and having to pay for that. Smart move.

        I remember seeing someone slash someone's tyre and the tyre literally blew up in their face and (profanity) them up….

        • Euphemistic on 22/09/2021 - 06:46
          -1

          You need to stab not slash.

  • robbyjones on 14/09/2021 - 19:05
    +2

    Want some cheese with that whine?!

  • Domingo on 14/09/2021 - 19:13
    +6

    Get there first and park there for a few days. Use another family member's car and let them see the frustration of the two spots being taken up by 1 car. Might change their behaviour

    • ozssc on 14/09/2021 - 19:19
      +4

      I was going to say similar but the next time the spot is free, park your car up to your driveway so as to create two parking spots. If you time it right, the son might park his car behind yours. If he does this, you might be able to convince him in the future that there is space to co-exist!

      • oscargamer on 14/09/2021 - 19:22
        +5

        Or park your car tight up against their drive, forcing the neighbour to learn how to reverse with care.

        • inasero on 14/09/2021 - 19:27

          I prefer the first option lol - less of a risk of damage to my car

  • oscargamer on 14/09/2021 - 19:21
    +10

    Why can't your neighbour reverse into their property and therefore drive out forwards, thereby not be an ar#e?

    • pharkurnell on 14/09/2021 - 20:00

      ^^ This…

    • MontyMacaw on 15/09/2021 - 10:44
      +4

      Obvious answer but the lack of empathy and good neighbourly morals could indicate a lack of driving skills not to mention lack of giving a flying fek. I feel sorry for the son. On so many levels.

    • SlartiBartFozz on 15/09/2021 - 14:14

      That may not work — I have the same situation and driving in or out of our narrow driveway is a challenge even in my small car — I have a turning bay at the end of our shared driveway, but that doesn't help with the street parking issue, but it does make vastly safer (it should be illegal to reverse out of driveways IMO); My street is only wide enough for a single car to pass between two parked cars, and the driveways are staggered, so turning in or out is often facing parked cars, and scraped mirrors with parked cars more than a few times.

  • bobbified on 14/09/2021 - 19:38
    +3

    I have to park further down the street and then it takes longer to walk back to my house.

    How much further is this walk you speak of?

    …kerb between two driveways,

    How long is this curb that you say should fit two cars?

    Honestly, if they really can't drive properly, you're probably better off not parking there anyway.

  • pharkurnell on 14/09/2021 - 20:00
    +5

    Hook up teh trailer and park in the spot when the kid goes out one day…
    leave it there.

    Or tell teh idiot to reverse into his yard, then he can drive out piss easy like most people would do.

  • Manny Calavera on 14/09/2021 - 20:02
    +7

    Can’t you just park in your own garage like a normal person?

    • pharkurnell on 14/09/2021 - 20:03
      +2

      Normal person with a garage… what if OP has no garage?

      • Geekless Belle on 14/09/2021 - 20:27
        +6

        Then beggars can't be choosers.

        • SF3 on 14/09/2021 - 20:30

          On 🔥.

    • coffeeinmyveins on 14/09/2021 - 20:30
      +1

      1) Doesn't have a garage (think: Marrickville)
      2) Garage used by non car stuff
      3) Garage already used by their other car or two

      Take a pick.

      • Hardlyworkin on 14/09/2021 - 23:14

        If you're someone who doesn't like walking to their car then you probably shouldn't be buying/ renting somewhere you can't park off street.

        • coffeeinmyveins on 15/09/2021 - 12:49
          -1

          huh? when did I ever say that, are you replying to the wrong person?

          Also, people can not enjoy walking to their car but still buy a property. Can't have it all.

  • beagem on 14/09/2021 - 20:13

    If you park closer, will that increase the chances of your car getting into an accident?

  • Ughhh on 14/09/2021 - 20:51
    +3

    Im actually so glad my neighbours are decent parkers. We haven't need 'the talk' to know not to park in front of each other houses (unless really necessary) or to hog 2 car spaces. We both just park in front of our own house, not crossing the (imaginary) line.

  • Drakesy on 14/09/2021 - 21:01
    +1

    A bit selfish of the neighbours to be honest.
    Although it is council land so technically not really your issue.
    could write to the council, but nothing is likely to come of it.

  • Eeples on 14/09/2021 - 21:55
    +1

    It is very considerate of the son to park in the middle of the driveways as it allows you and your neighbour safer access to your driveways.

    Very thoughtful.

    OP: How many cars do you have at your place?

    • [Deactivated] on 14/09/2021 - 22:59
      +4

      annoying where people use the street parking as their permanent garage, and their garage for other purposes. on our street, one house use the garage as storage and all 3 of their cars parked on the street with a trailer too. another one is the same and 4 cars out on the street.

      • Eeples on 15/09/2021 - 00:42
        +2

        On my street my next door has a large cement mixer on weekends.

        Over the years either side I’ve had; boats, trailers, motor homes and my personal favourite a horse float being converted to a mobile tiny house.

        But I wouldn’t start a thread about it nor am I complaining really.

      • pangwen on 15/09/2021 - 07:28

        Our neighbourhood is “solving” that problem with a street crime issue. There have been a lot of posts on the community page about cars parked on the street being broken into :|

        • [Deactivated] on 15/09/2021 - 08:15

          that is no good. crime is crime. same as people hogging street parking. be considerate to your neighbours.

          i see that having a boat or a hobby car permanently parked outside to be the same as i start setting up a btc rig on common property.

  • Euphemistic on 15/09/2021 - 06:18

    Is it two ‘plenty big enough’ spots or ‘only just big enough’?

    Maybe you could suggest testing two cars, assessing the reversing out obstruction and if possible mark a point where the other car stops to allow both safe reversing and two cars.

    Try getting the tape measure out first.

    Get a smaller car.

  • Cusacka on 15/09/2021 - 07:09
    +2

    This happens on our street too. We have a lot of driveways about 11 or 12 metres apart and some people think it's a great idea to park right in the middle, leaving 3 metre gaps on either end. It's incredibly annoying because there aren't many spaces available.

  • Melb69 on 15/09/2021 - 07:46

    Aside from the on street parking issue which is just a courtesy thing if not line marked spots. OP do you have a garage or car space off street that you should be using?

    • inasero on 15/09/2021 - 09:06
      +3

      Yes I have a garage space which is being used by my wife's car, hence the need to access on street parking.

      Lots of judgmental replies in this thread, but thank you to those of you who have provided helpful suggestions!

      • bobbified on 15/09/2021 - 10:33
        +2

        Lots of judgmental replies in this thread,

        It's not us being judgemental - you're asking a question here without providing enough information to allow us to properly form an opinion and/or provide advice. We don't know you and we don't know your neighbour, so it's hard to tell whether you're being reasonable or not. Were you expecting us to automatically take your side? (btw, it's usually the other way around!)

        For example, are you whinging about your neighbour parking in the spot in front of your house because you have to walk an extra five metres past the next driveway to the next parking spot? Is that length of kerb you speak of a tight fit for two cars or is there plenty of room? Only you know.

      • Melb69 on 15/09/2021 - 11:09
        +3

        Nothing gets past OZb member's. If the full facts aren't presented which is ususlly the case as it is OPs view, you will always get an opinion that you may not like.

        Given your wife has the garage is your unit a 2 or 3 beds. Assuming only 1 offstreet space is provided as you say then you just have to fend for yourself as to where you park in street. You don't have any rights to park out the front of your property. Live in Richmond and you'd be lucky to find parking in street outside your house.

        Get to the spot first and park in the same position as the neighbour. They have no rights to tell you where to park either if within the Council regs.

  • Brian McGee on 15/09/2021 - 09:40
    +3

    It’s superwog

  • OzHunterNSW on 15/09/2021 - 12:36

    Looks like they too are tussling for superiority.

    You have made a mistake in providing your personal details… if you were to report the behaviour to the council, they now will know who to blame.

  • User210686 on 15/09/2021 - 13:14

    haha sounds like my street. two houses on the other side of the street are rented out to tradies with many utes. And new neighbor who just moved in has 4 cars plus a camper trailer even though their house has only one garage and a carport in tandem, and they are doing exactly what OP's neighbor is doing. If I were you, I'd park my car in his spot but I bet he always gets home before you do. If your wife is home all day or gets home before your neighbor's son, ask her to park her car in his spot till you arrive. It's only for a few hours.

  • nikey2k27 on 15/09/2021 - 17:51

    The yellow line that fixes the problem nobody can park there.

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 15/09/2021 - 22:02
    +2

    Might be time to put your bins up close to their car overnight. If garbage truck can't pick up, complain to council it wasn't picked up because of some inconsiderate $#%##.

  • Traveller107 on 16/09/2021 - 00:46
    +3

    My new neighbour (a family of only 3 people) park 4 cars and 1 trailer on the street beside my driveway! They think their frontage and my entire house frontage belongs to them!
    And on bin days they move my bin from beside my driveway on to the middle of my driveway!! And fill it up with their filthy trash contaminating recycle load too! Sigh ! Dunno why some people end up being so wrong, inconsiderate and vile. It's frustrating to have rude neighbours so I do sympathise with you but sadly looks like they won't change.
    Sorry for the mini rant :p

    • [Deactivated] on 09/10/2021 - 00:27
      +1

      Wait for a wheel clamp deal on ozb.

      Had a neighbour (now moved out) always leave empty takeaway containers (maccas, kfc, red bull can etc) on kerb side where the car is parked. So, one day, i picked up all those trash and left it on their driveway, with a note in the letter box with tips how to separate rubbish into differ bins, as well our local council's contact detail for a bigger bin if they needed one.

  • Brick Tamland on 17/09/2021 - 16:06
    +2

    Yeah this is super annoying. I used to live on a busy street where people did this all the time. You could have fit double the cars parked but no they park right in the middle and waste all that space. It was always a bugbear but nothing you can really do that you haven't already done.

  • Farrba on 08/10/2021 - 17:41

    parking is one of the factors when looking for a house. luckily just moved in where we can fit in 8 cars.

  • ajsr8 on 09/10/2021 - 11:24

    Probably don't want other cars parking outside their house.

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