Entitled Neighbor Puts Cones Against the Curb to Reserve a Parking Space

Many individuals without driveways experience frustration upon returning home only to find no available parking near their residence. In densely populated areas, this issue can escalate, forcing residents to search for parking elsewhere. This is prepared by SSP.

Unfortunately, lacking a driveway means residents often cannot control who parks in front of their homes. Despite this reality, disputes over parking frequently occur between neighbours. Some go to extreme measures, such as bolting traffic cones to the ground, to secure parking spaces.

A homeowner shared their shocking experience on Reddit after returning home to find that their neighbour had placed cones against the curb to reserve a parking space. Attempting to nudge the cones with their vehicle, they discovered the cones were bolted in place. They stated, "My neighbour has bolted two cones to the street. This is a new one for me. I live on a small road in the city, so I get people putting cones out. I usually reverse into them to move them. But this one didn't budge. Bolted. Two of them."

Commenters quickly offered suggestions for how the homeowner might respond. One popular idea was to cut the cones down, allowing cars to park freely. A commenter noted, "Cut the tops off and only leave the bottom quarter," prompting the homeowner to agree, "That's actually a good idea!" Another suggested, "Just reverse or drive over them; they break off at the base. The parking space outside one's house belongs to the county council. You can't reserve it. If you're feeling vindictive, take the piece of the cone with you and leave the bolted part behind."

Others encouraged the homeowner to involve their local council to report their neighbour's actions. According to the Highway Code, parking outside someone's home is legal as long as it does not obstruct the entrance. It ensures homeowners can still access their properties. This clarity highlights that parking in front of another's house is permissible, even if a neighbour attempts to claim a space as private.