Driveway minimum requirements

ShirlsP

Hi

My county council state there must be at least 4.8m from the property building to its boundary. 

The guidance also states 

“Parallel spaces that do not meet the minimum dimensions set out in this document will not be permitted”

and I was wondering if anyone knew what that means. Does it mean that even if I were to park my car parallel to my property then I still need 4.8m from the building to the boundary? Or are the dimensions flipped?

there is only 4m from the property to the boundary but more than enough space to park a car at an angle (not completely parallel). 

thank you 

NSG666

In the context of the council document the 'parallel' relates to 2 or more parking spaces side by side not the orientation of the space in relation to the property.

Section62

ShirlsP said:

“Parallel spaces that do not meet the minimum dimensions set out in this document will not be permitted”

and I was wondering if anyone knew what that means. Does it mean that even if I were to park my car parallel to my property then I still need 4.8m from the building to the boundary? Or are the dimensions flipped?

there is only 4m from the property to the boundary but more than enough space to park a car at an angle (not completely parallel). 

You'll need to ask the council.

In parking terminology 'parallel' usually means on the same alignment as the road, so I think you are right with that interpretation, however the quoted text about the minimum dimensions isn't clear and you are right to question it.

Most authorities generally resist parallel parking on driveways unless there is sufficient room within the property boundary to turn the vehicle round and drive out (termed 'drive-in/drive-out').  This is because there's a much greater risk to pedestrians if cars are being driven into/out of parallel off-street parking.  It can also affect the flow of traffic.

I would expect the council to take a different view on whether or not parallel parking was acceptable depending on the location - e.g. probably Ok on a quiet suburban residential street, not Ok in a town centre or a country road with a national speed limit.

Because of this, some highway authorities will ask for 4.8m minimum depth even if you choose to parallel park.  So either interpretation of this guidance is possible, and only the council will know what they meant.