Can I continue parking where I have parked for the past 13 years?

Question

I have parked my car on a car park next to my house for the past 13years, the car park is owned by the local authority intended for the use of a block of flats, however only two cars are ever parked on there. So it made more sense to me to park on the car park with it been next to our house rather than on an already over crowed street in front of the house, where most of the time its impossible to park anyway.

I have been told that if you have parked in the same place for so many years then you have a legal right to carry on doing so. Can anybody tell me if this is the case.

I have never had any complaints about where I park. But have overheard somebody from the flats talking about 'her over there, parking there'. ( me)

I would just like to no my rights and don't want to cause a nuisance for anybody. Like I have said there are only ever two cars parked on there and plenty of room for other cars.

Answer 1

Sorry, you have no rights to this parking area - as you say, it belongs to the local authority.

In your father's situation, the piece of land in question was probably unused, not surfaced & unsigned. Under these conditions, there is a form of 'squatter's rights' for land, he could have also claimed it to live on & been automatically granted planning permission if he'd lived on the plot in a tent, caravan, or even in his car.

Answer 2

I'm afraid you can't obtain "squatters rights" to a parking space.  The council could always enforce their rights, if they wanted to, though by the sound of it they aren't concerned.  If someone really kicked up about it I would imagine the first thing you'd hear is a chit from the council asking you not to park there.  Be careful, though, if they pass off their parking control to an outside agency.

Answer 3

If its a car park built for the residents of a block of flats then you are in the wrong parking there and could be asked to move.

If you don't have your own driveway you will just have to find a space on the street bearing in mind you don't have the right to park outside your house as it is a public street.

If I where you I would stop parking there before someone reports you and you get an official letter telling you to move your car.

Best to play it safe

Answer 4

Just because you have gotten away with something for years, does not change the laws pertaining to it.

Answer 5

Park it for 13 years long and no complain from anyone else ?   sure why not !   unless there a sign that say  " No parking , tow away area " or  " Parking fine of 100 dollars "    you pick out which one is your choices ?   my choices is park it there for another 13 years !