Strangers can park on your driveway in Milton Keynes and there is almost nothing you can do about it

People can park on your driveway and there is nothing the police can do about it.

Parking on a strangers driveway isn't a criminal offence, but a civil matter.

It is considered trespassing to park on someone else's driveway, meaning police cannot remove someone's car, as it is a civil incident.

Research from the comparison site, USwitch , 64% of people in the UK aren't aware of this categorisation.

Equally, it is unlikely that Milton Keynes Council would get involved in this situation as it is considered a private matter that doesn't fall under their jurisdiction.

Councils can be asked to remove a car from private property if you think it has been abandoned.

However, if the vehicle is taxed, insured, has a valid MOT and isn't in a dangerous condition, they’re unlikely to move it from private land.

Unless you can prove the car has been abandoned, your local council is unlikely to get involved.

USwitch car insurance expert, Florence Codjoe has outlined the following advice on what you can do in these incidents, saying: “If you come home to find a stranger has parked their car on your drive, try having a polite chat with the driver first, as there may have been a simple misunderstanding. If you can’t come to a resolution and it happens repeatedly, then it may be worth contacting Citizens Advice or a solicitor to seek further help.”

Damaging the vehicle could lead to criminal charges, despite the provocation. Of course, if you can still fit your car in the driveway without obstructing the public highway, that’s your right, even if it means blocking the other vehicle in.

The USwitch research also found that 60% of drivers wrongly believed they are legally entitled to park outside their own property. In fact, unless parking is governed by residents’ parking permits or designated spaces, anyone can park on the public street outside your house as long as they aren’t causing an obstruction (such as blocking a dropped kerb).

However, the research also revealed where it is illegal to park, and where breaking the rules could see you fined.

According to the Highway Code you must not park:

On a pedestrian crossing, including the area marked by the zig-zag lines. In marked taxi bays. In a cycle lane. On red lines. In spaces reserved for Blue Badge holders, residents or motorbikes (unless entitled to do so). Near a school entrance. Anywhere that would prevent access for emergency services. At or near a bus/tram stop. Opposite or within 10 metres of a junction. Over a dropped kerb.

Florence Codjoe said: “Parking in restricted areas could land you a fine of up to £1,000, so it’s important to ensure you avoid it. Not only could it get you into trouble, it could also obstruct pedestrians and other vehicles, putting their safety at risk.

“If your car is damaged or you’re involved in an incident whilst parked in a restricted area, this could also impact the validity of your car insurance if you need to make a claim.”