Residential Parking - elec point, cameras, trip hazards.

Finance_Fool

I'm not sure if this is the right place for this, or if there's anything I can do - probably not, but it's causing me anxiety so I hope you can help!

I live on a terraced street which is over 100 years old. There's plenty of on street parking but every 10 houses or so, there's a huge flowerbed. So most people can park outside their houses, but a few can't. One of my immediate neighbours has a flowerbed house. He parks outside mine most of the time, which never bothered me until he got a bit over friendly and had a good look in my windows every time he walked past (and still does, even though I had to tell him to back off in the end). 

He WsFH so he gets that spot most of the time. Luckily a few of the houses at my end don't have cars so there's usually somewhere for me to park no more than two houses away. I get the occasional filthy look, and I only end up parking outside of my actual house about once a month if that. I'd like to more often, but no bother (apart from the noseys).

He knocked just before Xmas, asking me to move my car from the space, as he's now got an electric car, and has not only had a charging point installed at the front of his house, but has set up a security camera pointed directly at the space outside my house to monitor anyone who might decide to fiddle with it. He's not concerned with safety or trips etc., mainly just reassuring me that 'no one can do anything about it' and 'if anyone tripped I'd not be liable'. He says, only goes off when someone walks past, and apparently 'doesn't cover who approaches my front door so he can't see who comes and goes.' He's already got one pointed out the back that he asked if I wanted pointing into my yard 'for security'. I said absolutely not, given the previous over-friendliness but I've got no way to check. I think I'm going to ask him for confirmation of the view of both cameras which I'm sure he'll give me, but I still feel gross every time I hang my washing out.

I know I don't have rights over the space, but neither does he, and he's already pushed me about over an issue in the back yard a couple of years ago. I did move the car but I'm concerned about doing it again, if I ever get to park there again that is. I feel that although it's not legally wrong, it's somewhat entitled (he obviously hasn't considered a plan B if anyone *other* than me parks there, especially pointing a fixed camera at it) and I'm certain he wouldn't have done it if I was a six-foot butch bloke with a bulldog (I'm not). There's nothing to stop him parking outside my other neighbour, the other side, who currently don't have a car and just running the cable along the kerb. 

- The bit about him not being liable if someone tripped over the cable on a public footpath... surely that's not true?

- Will this devalue my house or anything like that, and would I have to state this situation to any potential buyers?

- Will moving my car every time mean that it sets a precedent for some kind of application for ownership later if permit parking or something similar were to be suggested?

- Is there any legal basis for taking any action? I'm thinking more about the camera than the actual space, but either.

All I really want is to not have to have him banging on my door every time he wants to charge his car, and get him to realise he's got to have other plans - what if someone else parks there and he doesn't know who it is? I've spoken to friends about it and they all say they'd just tell him to naff off, but I'd rather have something to back it up, if I can. Can't seem to get any response from the council or Citizen's Advice.

Any thoughts? Thanks so much. 

DE_612183

well he can't insist you move your car.

regarding the recording - if you tell him not to - he must stop.

both those things would help you - but I'm guessing you don't want to upset him.

Not sure what else I would advise - I think though you should say that if you can park outside your house you will, and if it's not convenient to move your car then you won't.

If he works from home - when does he use the car?

Finance_Fool

Yeah, I know I can say no (I keep thinking what if I was ill, asleep, in the bath, drunk even). But before I park there again and bring about a discussion I want to be sure I know where I stand! 

With the recording, he implied he's done his research and it's no different to a ring video-doorbell. Can that be right!? 

I don't want to upset him as he already creeps me out somewhat. He's proved before that he's all nicey-nicey, but doesn't really care. I'm happy being firm, but I want to be sure I'm confident, so "if you can park outside your house you will, and if it's not convenient to move your car then you won't" is very concise and helpful and I will try to remember that sentence - thanks. 

To answer your question, he works a couple of days a week but he's always home earlier than me, and makes a few very short trips sometimes at the weekend. So every time there's a space, he's using charge, so every time he comes back, he'll want to charge it!

If anyone has any further advice that would strengthen my position - even psychologically - gratefully received!

QrizB

Finance_Fool said:

With the recording, he implied he's done his research and it's no different to a ring video-doorbell. Can that be right!?

Yes, but that doesn't mean much. If the system is recording people in a public place, he's got a bit of legal work to do.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/domestic-cctv-using-cctv-systems-on-your-property/domestic-cctv-using-cctv-systems-on-your-property

Finance_Fool said:

- The bit about him not being liable if someone tripped over the cable on a public footpath... surely that's not true?

Per this gov.uk page I think he need Highways Authority permission, and probably also needs a channel installing in the pavement?

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cross-pavement-solutions-for-charging-electric-vehicles/cross-pavement-solutions-for-charging-electric-vehicles

TBH I'm surprised the company that installed the charging point didn't insist on this. When mine was installed they required me to provide a protective cover and that was crossing my own private garden path!

See also the section on that page regarding liability.

Finance_Fool

Ooh, brilliant, thanks - I'll give that a read!

born_again

Have word with local council. They do not take kindly to cables run across paths.
If he's lucky they will let him install a channel in the path (at cost to him)

As above charger co should not have installed it in that situation. Which also makes you wonder if the DNO (delivery Network Operator) is also aware about the charger install & that he also has a Electrical Installation Certificate.

Finance_Fool

I don't know, he said it was all part of his house electric supply and that his supplier installed it, so you would think he has all that. Doesn't hurt to ask though, as I wouldn't be surprised if he was a total bull-you-know-what-er. Thanks for the tip!

LDast

If someone installs an EV charger at home without a driveway and must run a charging cable across a public footpath to charge their vehicle, there are important regulations and legal responsibilities that need to be followed. Here's a breakdown of what the regulations say and who is responsible for ensuring compliance:

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✅ Key Regulations and Requirements for Installing EV Chargers:

1. Public Safety and Obstruction of Public Highways (Highways Act 1980)

   • It is illegal to obstruct the public highway (which includes footpaths) under the Highways Act 1980.
   • Placing a charging cable across a public footpath without proper protection is considered an obstruction and could lead to liability if someone trips and injures themselves.

2. Duty of Care: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

   • Installers must follow the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and comply with BS 7671 wiring regulations.
   • The installer must ensure the installation is safe, and they should inform the homeowner of any regulatory issues or potential safety risks related to the installation.

3. Permission from the Local Authority (Street Works Licence)

   • In most areas, you will need permission from the local council to run any infrastructure across a public footpath.
   • Some councils allow homeowners to install protective covers or cable channels across footpaths, but this typically requires a licence or agreement.

4. Compliance with Building Regulations (Part P)

   • The EV charger must be installed by a qualified and approved electrician who is registered with a competent persons scheme (e.g., NICEIC or NAPIT).
   • The electrician must ensure that the installation complies with Part P of the Building Regulations and that a Building Regulations compliance certificate is issued.

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🛠️ Responsibility of the Installer:

• Qualified installers must assess the suitability of the property for the installation.
• They should not install an EV charger if it will create a hazardous situation (e.g., cables crossing a public footpath).
• Installers are expected to inform the customer of any regulatory restrictions or risks involved with the installation.

If the installer proceeded with the installation without flagging the issue of the public footpath, they may have breached their duty of care and professional responsibility.

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📋 What Homeowners Can Do to Mitigate the Issue:

1. Use a Cable Cover/Protective Ramp

   • Some councils allow the use of protective cable ramps to cover cables that cross footpaths. These are designed to prevent trips and ensure accessibility for pedestrians and wheelchair users.
   • However, not all councils permit this, so it's essential to check with the local authority.

2. Install a Dedicated Street Charger

   • Some local authorities offer grants or on-street EV charger schemes to install public chargers for residents without driveways.
   • In some areas, charging points can be installed on streetlights near the homeowner’s property.

3. Apply for a Drop Kerb/Driveway

   • If feasible, the homeowner could apply to the council for a dropped kerb to create a driveway. This is the most straightforward way to legally charge an EV from home.

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🚨 Potential Consequences if Regulations Are Not Followed:

• Personal Liability:
  The homeowner could be held liable if someone trips over the cable and gets injured.

• Council Fines:
  Local authorities can issue fines for obstructing a public footpath.

• Insurance Issues:
  Running a cable across a public footpath without permission could invalidate public liability insurance.

Finance_Fool

Ooh, thank you. I think he's got a new bit of cover over it for the bit that goes over the pavement but I'll check next time he is charging it. I am so grateful for all this, I know I can just say no, I'm not moving my car, but as someone trying to be a good neighbour, but fighting the cult of politeness, having all this to back me up is a great help. 

Coupon-mad

In the Fairhurst v Woodard case, Dr. Mary Fairhurst won a court case against her neighbour, Jon Woodard, for breaching the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The case involved a dispute over the use of Ring doorbells and other video/audio devices:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-58911296.amp