Drivers could be slapped with fines for 'turning around or parking briefly' on someone's driveway

One expert has called on motorists to check where they are travelling before parking or they could find themselves being slapped with massive fines.

This is especially true if they are visiting friends or family. Drivers often take matters into their own hands and risk parking on someone else's driveway or in front of their home.

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Peter Waddell, CEO of BigWantsYourCar.com, said: "Even seemingly innocent actions, such as turning around or parking briefly when visiting loved ones, can lead to legal consequences if performed without permission.

"Drivers must respect private property rights and comply with relevant laws to avoid fines and legal issues.”

He highlighted how using someone else's driveway without explicit permission from the homeowner could see them land themselves in hot water.

Even if it may seem harmless, it could have potential legal ramifications, including fines, with larger risks if any damages occur.

It can technically count as trespassing on private property and could result in civil or even criminal charges, especially if there are damages or another incident.

Drivers are also now more at risk of being slapped with fines thanks to the rise of doorbell cameras giving homeowners access to see any movements on their driveways.

This also comes as a warning to drivers to be respectful of property boundaries and avoid the unauthorised use of driveways.

Waddell added: "It's easier than ever to get caught trespassing, making it crucial for drivers to respect property boundaries and avoid unauthorised use of driveways.

"Violating these regulations can lead to fines of up to £5,000 for property damage, community orders, and potential prosecution."

The RAC highlights how drivers can get specific add-ons for their home insurance policies to deal with other people parking on their driveways.

If the homeowner was to pursue a civil case for trespassing, the courts have the right to remove the vehicle from the driveway, as a judge could make a removal order once they find out the legal owner.

However, this can be very costly and take a long time, potentially resulting in homeowners refusing to take legal action as a result.

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Motorists should also be aware of people being tricked into parking on someone's driveway while they are on holiday as scammers will create fraudulent listings to profit off holidaymakers.

There have been instances of homeowners having random people park on their driveways and going on holiday. They have often been tricked into paying for "cheaper" parking away from the airport when they are leaving their vehicles on an unsuspecting homeowner's driveway.