Play all audios:
As Britons around the country celebrate Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year, many will rarely be out and about in their car, unless they are visiting friends and family. It is not uncommon
for multiple family members to converge on one house for the festivities, with many overlooking any parking problems. However, many may be stuck with a mystery car on their driveway this
Christmas, but what can they do to prevent this from happening? Naturally, motorists would think to call the police or the council to have it removed, but they may not be able to help. A
curious loophole in the law means that drivers may be able to park on someone else’s driveway and go unpunished. There is no criminal law against the indecent act of someone parking on a
driveway without the homeowner's consent. READ MORE: DRIVERS URGED TO TOP UP 'VITAL' CAR FLUID AHEAD OF WINTER However, if the car is parked on a public road blocking a
driveway, the driver is committing a parking offence. In these circumstances, local authorities have the power to get involved and issue a fine to the motorist. A spokesperson for
StressFreeCarRental.com said: “Unfortunately, many homeowners stuck with someone else parked on their driveway are turned away from local authorities and councils as they have no authority
to remove vehicles from private properties. “Although this act can very often go unpunished, there are some things irritated homeowners can do to help avoid this problem happening to them
again.” READ MORE: DRIVERS URGED TO USE CLEVER DEFROSTING TIPS WHICH 'TAKES SECONDS' If a homeowner suspects the vehicle has been abandoned, their local council would be required
to move the car regardless of its position on private or public land. However, if the car has up-to-date MOT, tax, insurance and is not in a position where it could cause danger to anyone
around, the council are again powerless. The RAC advises drivers to keep calm and “don’t let the situation escalate”. It added: “Never take the law into your own hands and do not stoop to
revenge tactics that could get you prosecuted also. “If it's causing an issue, try and speak to the person and resolve the situation sensibly.” The RAC has suggested that drivers can
take steps to deter people from parking on their drive, including putting up a fence, gate or bollards. This may be more necessary if a driver lives near a hospital, stadium or airport,
where parking is notoriously difficult and expensive. Many drivers have vented their frustrations at other drivers using notes, affixing them to the offending car, usually telling them to
stop what they are doing. However, drivers should refrain from using threatening language or damaging their vehicle when lifting up the windscreen wiper to leave the note.