My neighbour recently bought a new car and has now started parking their work van directly in front of our house. They do have space in front of their own place, but he’s mentioned a couple of times that he doesn’t like parking there because of bird droppings from the tree.
They’re good Neighbours and we generally get along well. On our street, everyone kind of respects each other’s space, so this feels a bit out of the norm.
What bothers me is:
The van blocks our view when pulling out of the driveway.
We like to keep that spot free for guests.
There’s plenty of parking literally ~10m further up the street, in front of a side fence where nobody ever parks.
I completely understand that no one technically “owns” the street in front of their house, but it feels like an unspoken rule not to park directly out front if there’s easy alternative space nearby.
I know it shouldn’t bug me, but it does, and I’m wondering if it’s rude if I ask them to shift the van further up, or whether I should just leave it alone.
TL;DR:
Neighbour avoids parking in front of their house (bird droppings) and parks their work van in front of mine instead. It blocks my view and takes up the spot we usually keep for guests. There’s plenty of space just a few metres up the street. Would it be rude to ask them to park there instead, or should I let it go?
Don't ask him to do anything. Gently and explain your situation. if they don't suggest moving themselves or have problem with it then you thought wrong about being good neighbours and generally getting along and you might want to think about moving.