Drivers ‘could find themselves in trouble’ by breaching little-known parking rule

Motorists could be slapped with fines for attempting a car parking hack, according to experts at ClickMechanic.

Stopping other vehicles from parking outside your house by obstructing a bay is against the law and could see road users punished.

Motorists may try and save their favourite spot by warding off other locals in a bid to steal a bay right next to their house.

However, Andrew Jervis, CEO of leading online vehicle repair marketplace ClickMechanic, warns drivers can find themselves in trouble by making the move.

He said: “Finding a good space to park close to our homes is a battle many of us go through every day after we’ve been out and about.

“But some people might not realise that obstructing a good spot with a traffic cone, for example, in order to keep it for yourself is actually against the law.

“Vehicle owners are entitled to park wherever they want, as long as it does not break any laws or Highway Code regulations.

“So while it may be tempting to try to keep a prime spot outside your house all for yourself, you could find yourself in trouble with the authorities.”

According to ClickMechanic drivers have no legal right to park close to their homes and it should be done on a first-come-first-served system.

Unless a street is covered by a resident parking permit scheme, any motorist has a legal right to stop their vehicles outside your house.

Laying down traps such as traffic cones to stop others from parking in will therefore land drivers in serious trouble.

Rule 137 of the Highways Act 1980 states that it is an offence to block the highway without permission from the local authority.

Official legislation even states motorists could be issued prison sentences for breaching the guidelines.

It reads: “If a person, without lawful authority or excuse, in any way wilfully obstructs the free passage along a highway he is guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 51 weeks or a fine or both.”

The only reason homeowners would get preferential treatment over motorists is where a resident’s parking scheme is in place.

Stopping in these areas without a permit can lead to a fine of £130 in London or £70 outside the capital.

Tim Alcock, spokesperson for LeaseCar reiterated the warning to confused vehicle owners.

He explained: “Similarly, The Highway Code says that you can’t park anywhere that may restrict access for emergency services, such as leaving a residential road too narrow for a fire engine, and using the horn while a car is stationary – including whilst parked – is against the law.”

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