Car parking query

Freecall

From what you say it does sound as though the houses are in the wrong although do be aware that ownership and right of use (for parking in the case) do not necessarily go together.

I would send a nice letter asking by what authority they park on your land. It is unusual for somebody to go to the expense of erecting signs unless they at least think they have the right to park.

They may come back with a document of which you are unaware but at least you will have started a constructive dialogue.

DRP

What is the relationship like between the flats and the detached house owners?

Unless things were really bad, i'd be:

1. Trying to agree a consensus with the other flats residents on who knows what and how to proceed (to see who is interested, and to keep them in the loop).

2. First knocking on the door of the house owner who you consider to be in charge or the most cooperative (and then possibly the other houses) - have a friendly chat, show them the documentation, be nice (G_M would probably suggest cake being involved). Find out why they think it is theirs to park on.

3. Only escalate this if you really have to - making things official will be detrimental to everyone involved.

tomd269

Thanks.

Would it be better to drop a letter through or go round for a chat with my evidence do you think?

To be honest, we're happy to share that area, we would just like to be able to park there from time to time. And of course, to stop them being so hostile and vocal towards us regarding parking there.

DRP

tomd269 wrote: »

Thanks.

Would it be better to drop a letter through or go round for a chat with my evidence do you think?

To be honest, we're happy to share that area, we would just like to be able to park there from time to time. And of course, to stop them being so hostile and vocal towards us regarding parking there.

Only you know if you knocked on their door whether you would be invited in or punched in the face (or something inbetween)!


If it can be done face to face, all the better. Otherwise, yes send a letter (signed on behalf of all the flat residents if possible)

tomd269

Thanks, I think I will pop round for a chat. I have only met one out of the 3 so far so not sure how the others are. I was told that it was one in particular who was very angry about people parking in that area and I was "lucky I wasn't caught".
Needless to say, the same neighbour was responsible for putting up paper "private parking" signs.

PasturesNew

In reality, the problem you have is that you can't "let them park there" AND "use it from time to time yourself" because if they're parked when you want to use it, then you're back to square one.

tomd269

The close is big enough for about 3 cars to park and there's only one which regularly parks there. Each of the 3 detached houses has a private driveway to fit a couple of cars, and each of our flats has an allocated space in the parking area. It's just that whenever we have parked a car in the close area, the neighbours have told us we're not allowed to park there as it belongs to them.
We've recently bought a second car which I have to leave on the road for the time being. Ideally I would park it in the close, as there's plenty of room and not in anyone's way. But at the moment of course I am being told I am not allowed to by our neighbours.
Hope this makes sense :P

fairy_lights

tomd269 wrote: »

Each of the 3 detached houses has a private driveway to fit a couple of cars, and each of our flats has an allocated space in the parking area. It's just that whenever we have parked a car in the close area, the neighbours have told us we're not allowed to park there as it belongs to them.

Well in that case they're being greedy sods. If they've all got room for a couple of cars on their own driveways then why do they even need to park on the close?
Send them copies of the title plans to prove that it's the flats parking area, not theirs, and in the meantime continue parking where you want to, because it's yours.

tomd269

Cheers everyone, MSE forums are great.

bouicca21

I'd be inclined to leave the private parking signs up. Presumably it is private parking, just yours not theirs. That might also help prevent them acquiring rights to park by prescription.