It can be frustrating when someone parks directly outside of your house. Especially if they’re taking up your usual space or if parking spaces are like hen’s teeth on your street or estate. However, in Ireland, as long as cars are not obstructing traffic, parked illegally or blocking an entrance, there isn’t a whole lot you can actually do to stop someone parking outside your house, or on any public street.
You do not own the footpath or road that exists outside the boundary of your own property. Public footpaths and roads are maintained by the local council or local authority and can be used by any member of the public. The Rules of the Road state that unless a car is parked in a “way which interferes with the normal flow of traffic, or which obstructs or endangers other road users” there are no restrictions. And, while it might be annoying, homeowners or residents cannot prevent or stop anyone from parking on a public road outside of their house.
The Rules About Street Parking
When it comes to parking in residential areas in Ireland, a very common misconception people have is that the space directly outside a house or property is reserved for the person living there. Or that there’s an unwritten rule that says nobody else can park there. This is not the case and there’s nothing in law to support either belief. The fact of it is that unless it’s a private driveway or private property (and there are no restrictions), any member of the public has an equal right to use the space.
When is Public Parking Illegal?
While anyone can park on a public street there are restrictions around how someone must park, as outlined under the Road Traffic (Traffic & Parking) Regulations Act 1997. The Traffic & Parking Regulations Act lists the scenarios when a vehicle is deemed to be parked illegally, including when it’s parked:
- Where a ‘No Parking’ sign is displayed
- On double yellow lines at any time
- On single yellow line during the restricted hours displayed
- In a way that interferes with the normal flow of traffic
- Within 5 metres of a road junction
- Within fifteen metres before or five metres after a pedestrian crossing or traffic lights
- Fully or partially on a footpath, a grass margin, or a median strip
- In a disabled parking spot without displaying a valid permit
- On a pedestrian only street
- On a footpaths, grass margins or a median strip
- Anywhere that blocks access for emergency services
- In a taxi rank, a bus stop or a tram lane
- In a cycle lane, a bus lane or clearway during the restricted hours displayed
- Blocks a driveway or entrance without the owner’s consent
- On a motorway (including the hard shoulder)
- On a section of roadway with a continuous white line
- Parked in a paid parking space without displaying a ticket
- Parked in a private parking space or on private land without owner permission
What Can I Do If Someone Blocks My Driveway?
As we’ve covered, if a car or other vehicle is parked outside and not causing an obstruction, then there’s not much you can do about it. However, if someone has parked either fully or partially across your own driveway and is blocking access, then you have a right to complain or politely ask the owner to move and park elsewhere. The Traffic & Parking Act explicitly states that a vehicle cannot be parked in a way that obstructs an entrance or exit to a premises without the consent of the occupier.
In this situation, you should try and locate the driver and politely ask them to move their car. If the driver refuses, then you have every right to contact An Garda Siochana or your local council to remove the offending vehicle so you can safely access your property.
Can a Van Park Outside My House?
Again, while it might be annoying the same rules and restrictions apply to vans parking in front of your house or front garden. As long as there are no specific parking restrictions and the van driver isn’t causing an obstruction, they are free to park in a public space outside your home.
Dealing With Parking Issues Outside Your House
Parking is one of those things that can cause issues between neighbours and members of the public, especially in residential areas and busy towns and cities across Ireland. Or in public places where parking spaces might be hard to come by.
If you are dealing with a persistent or ongoing nuisance parking situation outside your home, there are some things you can try to help ease the situation.
- First, you can try approaching the owner of the other vehicle who parks outside your house for a quick, friendly chat to explain the situation. Usually, polite communication is enough to do the trick. If it doesn’t then you contact the Gardai or local authority to report illegal parking.
- If a vehicle has been parked outside for a very long time and you suspect that it may be abandoned (for example, if their tax disc or NCT is out of date) then you can report it to your local council. They will investigate and remove any abandoned vehicles
- If your entire street or estate is affected by parking congestion, maybe as a result of commuters or nearby businesses, you can petition your local council to introduce a residential parking permit scheme. Just be aware that while a permit in this case allows you the right to park on your own street, it does not give you a designated parking space or guarantee you the space outside your home.
- Move your car from your driveway (if you have one) and park on the road outside. This is perfectly okay to do but it carries the caveat of exposing your car to potential damage while on a public road, and may impact your car insurance.
Sometimes on residential streets or in housing estates, you’ll see home owners put down traffic cones or place their wheelie bins in the space in front of their houses to prevent others from parking. You should never do this as you are causing a parking obstruction yourself that can result in penalties from An Garda Siochana or your local authority.
Protect Your Property with KennCo
We hope we have clarified the rules in relation to parking outside your home. In summary, you cannot prevent people from parking outside your home on a public road. But if they are blocking your driveway (either fully or partially) or if they are parked illegally, you can report the issue to your local authority.
We hope this helped to clarify the rules around parking outside your home and in residential areas. Knowing your rights in these situations can help to prevent unnecessary neighbour disputes and help you take the correct steps when your access is genuinely blocked. If you are dealing with neighbourhood frustrations, knowing that your car and your home are fully protected can help bring you peace of mind. KennCo provides comprehensive car insurance and home insurance policies designed to secure your most valuable assets Contact the team at KennCo Insurance today to get a competitive quote and ensure you are properly covered.