Law change for all driveways in England update as backing soars
A petition demanding a change in the law that would affect everyone with a driveway has rocketed in popularity. In under a week, nearly 40,000 individuals have thrown their support behind the campaign on Change.org to outlaw parking on someone else's driveway.
The surge in signatures comes after many realised that in the UK, parking on someone's driveway without their consent isn't a criminal offence but rather a civil trespass, leaving the police generally out of the equation.
The RAC has slammed this legal grey area, stating: "A curious loophole in the law means that, technically-speaking, this type of abhorrent behaviour could go unpunished."
They added: "While there i s no criminal law against the indecent act of someone parking on your driveway without your consent, your driveway is part of your property so by driving onto it the person is committing an act of trespassing.
"Trespassing, however, is classed as a civil offence not a criminal offence, meaning the police don't have the power to make an arrest."
Siamak Darvish, who started the petition viewable here, said: "In our community, lawlessness has become a growing concern, particularly when it comes to parking. People can park on other people's driveways without repercussions, leading to numerous complications that range from inconvenience to safety hazards. This issue is becoming increasingly urgent with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), which bring unique risks if parked improperly."
"Making it explicitly illegal to park on someone else's driveway without consent aligns with the need to respect private property and enhance public safety. Introducing fines or stricter enforcement for these violations could serve as a deterrent, encouraging individuals to respect the property rights of others.
"Immediate action is needed to curb this chaotic situation and protect homeowners from the unpredictability and potential dangers posed by this disregard for property. Let's urge our lawmakers and community leaders to step up and create a safer neighbourhood for everyone."
One supporter, Lynne from Whitchurch, expressed her disbelief: "In all honesty, I really thought it was an illegal offence to either block or park on someone else's drive. I am so shocked to hear that this is legal and anyone can use your PRIVATE drive."
Sue from Gloucester shared her frustration: "I own two parking spaces in a residents parking area which were never marked out by the builders. There are ten others on the same area each also privately owned by the five other properties. All of us have experienced other neighbours parking in our spaces instead of their own in a different area."
Aileen chimed in with her exasperation: "Why should people who have paid the council to turn the kerb & then a company to build a driveway then have to put up with anyone who wants to park on it get away with it! ! ! Absolutely crazy! !".
What can you do if someone parks on your driveway?
The RAC says: "Unfortunately, there is little chance of the law getting involved and the legal action outlined below will take a considerable amount of time and - unless you have the legal add-on as part of your home insurance policy - expense.
"The best thing to do on a one off is to keep calm and don't let the situation escalate, never take the law into your own hands and do not stoop to revenge tactics that could get you prosecuted also.
"If it's causing an issue, try and speak to the person and resolve the situation sensibly.
"If you find it is a long-term issue, either happening on a regular basis, or a car has been left on your driveway for some time, the following advice may help." For more information from the RAC click here.
Take legal action
The RAC says if you were to pursue a civil case for trespassing, the courts have the jurisdiction to remove the car from the driveway.
"Your solicitor would be able to get the civil court's permission to find out the legal owner of the vehicle involved, and a judge would have to make its removal an order of the court.
"Another option is to pursue a legal claim for nuisance behaviour on the grounds that the driver is interfering with your use and enjoyment of your property.
"You should be aware, however, going through the courts, can be a long and potentially costly process if you do not have legal expenses insurance."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Hamilton hit with more sanctions and further rule breaches
They have also been under a transfer embargo and that has now been stretched out for the entire season after Accies admitted to a further three breaches of SPFL rules. They failed to settle tax obligations to HMRC three times and did not notify the league governing body on any occasion. As well as the embargo, they have been fined £7,500, £5,000 of which is suspended. Read more: An SPFL spokesperson said this morning: "The SPFL can today confirm that an independent disciplinary tribunal has imposed a season-long transfer embargo on Hamilton Academical FC. "The William Hill League 1 club was already subject to a transfer embargo following remuneration and tax defaults which were determined or admitted during season 2024/25. "Any SPFL club that fails to settle its tax obligations or pay its players on time is subject to an automatic transfer embargo under SPFL Rules. "At a hearing which took place on Thursday 24 July, Hamilton Academical FC admitted to further breaches of SPFL Rules by failing to settle its tax obligations to HMRC on three occasions, and for failing to notify the SPFL that it had been in default of its tax obligations to HMRC on each occasion, as required by SPFL Rules. "Following these latest admitted breaches by the club, an independent disciplinary tribunal imposed the following sanctions: • a transfer embargo which will remain in place until the opening of the registration window, which follows the end of season 2025/26; and • A fine of £7,500 - £5,000 of which is suspended."
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Pregnant ‘drug mule' Bella Culley pleads with court as baby's gender revealed
Bella Culley, 19 and facing life behind bars, told a Georgia court: "I hope you understand my story through my eyes. I never thought something like this would happen to me." Pregnant Brit 'drug mule' Bella Culley has issued a plea to see her story 'through my eyes' – as it emerged she is due to have a boy. The teenager is facing life behind bars in Georgia after allegedly taking cannabis into the country. At a hearing today Bella – who has previously claimed to have been forced by torture – told the judge: 'I hope you understand my story through my eyes. I never thought something like this would happen to me.' The 19-year-old, whose mum Lyanne was also in the courtroom in the country's capital Tbilisi, then said 'thank you' in Georgian. It was revealed in the courtroom that Bella recently underwent medical tests and is due to have a boy – with her emotional mum later saying outside about her daughter: 'She's feeling pregnant.' And as she left the courtroom, Bella's mum also reportedly told her: 'I'll come and see you tomorrow, I love you.' Prosecutor Vakhtang Tsalughelashvili had told the court that the crime was 'heavy'. But defence lawyer Malkhaz Salakia said there was no evidence it was committed on purpose. The prosecutor said there was no new evidence from the defence to set Bella free and she should stay in prison given there is a chance of her committing the crime again. Defence lawyer Mr Salakia said: 'Bella will become a mother soon, she is expecting a boy. I want her to feel this motherhood in freedom. It's a moment of her becoming a mother for the first time in her life – she turned 19 this June. Since the crime committed is not connected to Georgia, and her family has been here – father before and now the mother is here – they are here to look after her, and there is no possibility of influencing the witnesses because they are police and officials. 'She can be assigned to visit the police department two times per month or everyday, however the judge decides – she will fulfil her duty. It's summer, and a pregnant woman needs special hygiene in the month of July – we are offering a plea agreement of 50,000 [Georgian Lari], which will be paid immediately and we ask her immediately to be set free.' But the judge, Giorgi Gelashvili, concluded that no new evidence had been introduced from the defence side – except that it's hot in prison – to change the previous decision, so Bella would stay in prison. Another hearing in the case is scheduled for early September. The judge explained that if there is a plea agreement then an earlier date could be set. Bella, from Billingham, Teesside, vanished in Thailand before turning up in Georgia where she was arrested at Tbilisi International Airport in May. She has been accused of taking cannabis and hashish into the country. Outside court, Bella's lawyer said his client was physically feeling OK.
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Dragon's Den star & gold medal-winning athlete took out £100k in fraud loans despite £75k show investment
None of the money he applied for went towards his business STAR JAILED Dragon's Den star & gold medal-winning athlete took out £100k in fraud loans despite £75k show investment Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A DRAGON'S Den winner and former Team GB gold medallist fraudulently used Covid loans to buy himself a £1.8million mansion. Rick Beardsell illegally pocketed £100,000 worth of taxpayers cash to purchase his home - despite receiving a £75,000 investment during his stint on the BBC show. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Beardsell received £75,000 in investments after appearing on Dragon's Den Credit: Cavendish 6 The British world sprinting champion illegally pocketed two Covid Bounce Back business loans to buy himself a £1.8m mansion Credit: Cavendish 6 Beardsell was only entitled to apply for one loan worth £50,000, but fraudulently applied for two Credit: Cavendish The 46-year-old fiddled two Covid Bounce Back loans to buy himself five-bed Holly House in the exclusive village of Prestbury, Cheshire. Dad-of-two Beardsell was only entitled to apply for one loan worth £50,000, but fraudulently applied for two and greatly exaggerated his annual turnover by up to 23 times. It came after the world champion sprinter had successfully secured investments from TV Dragons Tej Lalvani and Deborah Meaden for his successful protein shake bottle business, ShakeSphere. Chester Crown Court heard he applied for the loan to prop up his other company, Sports Creative Ltd, but none of the money went towards the sportswear business. Prosecutor Geoff Whealan told the court Beardsell made the fraudulent applications to HSBC in December 2020 and then to NatWest in January 2021. He said: ''The defendant stated on the HSBC form that the turnover of Sports Creative was £485,000 and on the NatWest form said it was £320,000. "But unaudited financial statements showed turnover for the year end February 2020 was £20,622. ''The turnover was clearly exaggerated to secure the maximum bounce back loan. "Subsequent transactions showed the bounce back loan funds were not being used for the economic benefit or business purposes of Sports Creative at this time.'' The money arrived in Sports Creative's account in January 2021, but then almost £400,000 was transferred to Beardsell's personal Santander account in the space of six months. Then £431,160.80, including the remaining bounce back loan funds, was transferred to a firm of solicitors for the purchase of Holly House he bought with his wife Ezster. Mr Whelan added: ''In effect the bounce back loan funds had been used for this purchase. Shocking moment Dragons' Den winner Ross Mendham smashes £100k Ferrari after ploughing into bike racks in city centre "It can be inferred from the defendant's conduct that it was his intention to use the bounce back loans for this purpose at the time he made the application for it." Beardsell, who won two World Records for sprinting, faced three years in jail after he admitted two charges of fraud. In October 2024, he attended an interview under caution at the Insolvency Services offices. In a statement he said: ''The guidance pertaining to Bounce Back Loans indicated that the proceeds of such loans may be utilised for any purpose that yields a direct benefit to the company. ''At that juncture, I sought professional advice and was advised that such purposes include, but are not limited to, the coverage of overhead expenses or outstanding liabilities, as well as the investment in company assets or property. "The funds that were transferred to my personal account constituted a director's loan and other economical overheads for the business.'' Mitigating, his counsel Nichola Cafferkey explained that the loans had been repaid in full to the banks. She said: ''The loss of his good character is of some significance in respect of a man who has dedicated his life to his family, his professional entities and also his sporting endeavours. "These offences were out of character and were committed four years ago. "He has taken responsibility and repaid the money back. He knows that it's his own fault. "He has brought shame on his family and brought shame on himself. ''His wife is also his business partner and concerns that they have had about the ability to provide financially for their young children have been significant." The court also heard that Beardsell had suffered a series of medical issues both before and after securing the loans. Ms Cafferkey continued: "A year prior to the submission of the first loan application, the defendant was diagnosed with an aggressive form of testicular cancer and required surgery and extensive chemotherapy. "The chemotherapy was successful but led to some significant side effects. ''One of those being vertigo, of which he had a severe episode which required hospitalisation and thereafter there are ongoing long-term issues as a result of that. 6 Beardsell was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years Credit: Cavendish 6 Hundreds of thousands of pounds were transferred to a firm of solicitors for the purchase of Holly House Credit: Cavendish "The investigations brought on by the defendant's own actions has had an impact on his family which has led to a situation where he has been experiencing significant stress over the past few years. "On top of that there are ongoing knee pains associated with his athletic success at national and international level. "He has been running a business for many years without issue and it is plain he is extremely remorseful and regretful for his actions. "The impact on his wife's physical health in terms of stress and strain has been significant. There has been significant weight loss and insomnia. "This will be the only time that Richard Beardsell appears before the court." Beardsell was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work and pay costs of £11,142.70. Judge Simon Berkson told Beardsell: "You fraudulently lied and lied again in your applications for these loans. "They were supposed to be for use in keeping your business running but the money was used for your own personal needs and the needs of your family. "This is not a victimless crime. The government was trying to help struggling businesses at the time of national crisis. "People were in lock down, people were dying and people were very ill at the time when people required their public services. "You used fraudulently obtained public funds for your own use, depriving honest people of the scheme's funds when the country was in crisis. "You are a generally successful man both in business and in sports, particularly your involvement with athletics. "You continue to run your business and it was on the TV programme Dragons' Den. "You are a married person with two children and they are young children. You have survived an aggressive form of cancer. "I have concluded that an immediate custodial sentence would have a significant harmful impact on your wife and children.''
