'Entitled neighbour keeps policing parking outside my house – he's gone too far'
A man has been left fuming at his "controlling" neighbour, who has taken it upon himself to "police" the parking spaces in their street and starting a "parking war"
Roadside parking can often be a bone of contention amongst neighbours. For those residing in areas where on-street parking is the norm, securing a spot within a reasonable distance from one's home can prove to be a challenge.
It's not unusual for residents to find themselves parking a street away due to an excess of vehicles. Despite the inconvenience, it's important to remember that no one can lay claim to a specific spot outside their house. However, one man has found his neighbour attempting to do just that, even going so far as to "police" the spaces outside of both of their homes.
The man alleges that his neighbour "thinks he controls the parking" on their street, including the space outside his house and the area outside the man's residence.
Sharing his experience on Reddit, he revealed that his neighbour frequently sits on his porch, "stares" at his house, and has even told the man's visitors that they cannot park in front of his property when there's a free space.
The situation has escalated with the overbearing neighbour now resorting to placing cones on the road to deter people from parking - a move the man has done himself in the past, too.
The man shared: "I have an ongoing issue with the neighbour across the street who thinks he controls the parking spot in front of my home. My guests will often tell me he tells them they can't park in front of my house.
"Today, I saw him in the rain, placing a cone in front of my house to reserve a spot for one of his friends. I have him on camera kicking a cone I had placed in front of MY house last month.
"It was the only time I've ever placed a cone to reserve a spot since I don't have a driveway, and my disabled dad needed frequent trips to the hospital."
In a discussion on Reddit, the homeowner mentioned that his neighbour believes he is entitled to the parking space because his friends, who visit almost daily, need a spot close to his house.
However, fellow Reddit users were quick to point out that no one owns roadside parking spaces. They advised the homeowner to move the neighbour's cone if the space is available.
Additionally, they suggested that the homeowner explore the possibility of obtaining a disabled parking space in front of his house, given his father's regular need for it. In the UK, it is possible to apply for a disabled person's parking space through the local council, provided a valid Blue Badge is held.
One commenter said: "Move his cone and park there. Meanwhile, talk to the right city department and find out the laws and try to get a handicapped spot in front of the house. Neighbour is a jerk!"
Another added: "You BOTH know he can't tell anyone where to park on a public street. I'd park ON the cone to let him know it's game on. All that remains is the confrontation advising the sad, pathetic dude who lives across the street to p**s off."
Meanwhile, a third wrote: "You don't own the spots, either of you. Stop using cones. I was on your side, but when you said you also put out cones, that's just wrong, and you're both immature."