'My neighbour kept using my driveway - so I exposed their biggest secret'

People with driveways know just how luxurious it is not to have to worry about finding a parking space when they get home. But, some feel like the rules don't apply to them and take advantage when they notice an empty space, regardless of whether they are the owner or not.

Venting on Reddit about a similar situation, one homeowner shared that their 'petty revenge' involved a 'plot twist' that their teenage neighbour, using their driveway without permission, didn't see coming. They wrote: "My neighbours have a teenage son whose friends keep parking in my driveway.

"I went to check my mail last week and saw them all out front. [I] decided to nicely bring it up, which was met with eye rolls and fake 'okays'. Monday comes around, and I come home to find three of his friends' cars taking all the space I have to park.

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"It was a 14-hour day for me, so I wasn't having it and made my second approach with the intention to make myself very clear and said I'd make it the neighbour's son's problem. Tonight I get home and it's happened again.

"I went next door and an adult finally answered! I brought up the cars at my place and added a side note that their kid never expected! He's also been throwing his disposable vapes in my yard, and I have the other neighbour as a witness! So I casually asked them to make sure that stops."

Clearly unaware of the teenager's antics, the Reddit user said the adult's "instant change in expression told me everything I needed to know after I walked away". They continued: "Shortly after, his friends left, and I can assume they probably won't be back for a while."

People were quick to comment on the post about the situation. One said: "Great job. You probably put things in perspective for his parents. He needs to learn how to respect others." Another added: "Act like an irresponsible kid instead of a teenager approaching adulthood and you will be treated like an irresponsible kid. Well played on your part."

A third shared: "You probably did them a favour. Every kid who smoked or vaped had to go through their parents finding out eventually, and you just did it for them. Actions have consequences!" Someone else put: "After the first warning I would have been tempted to just get a tow truck involved." And, one more commented: "If it happens again, have all the cars towed. The kids will have to explain to the parents why they have to be picked up."

What are your legal rights if someone parks in your driveway in the UK?

Returning home to discover another person's car parked in your driveway can be incredibly annoying. However, before you consider calling for help, it's worth noting a legal loophole that could potentially allow this type of behaviour to go unpunished.

The RAC reported on its website that, while there's no criminal law preventing someone from parking on your driveway without permission, doing so is trespassing, as the driveway is part of your property. However, trespassing is a civil offence, not a criminal one, which means the police don't have the authority to arrest.

The advice is to "keep calm" and "not let the situation escalate." It further suggests that people should "never take the law into their own hands" or "stoop to revenge tactics that could get you prosecuted."

Instead, consider pursuing a civil case for trespassing, as the courts have the power to remove the car from the driveway. Another alternative is to make a legal claim for nuisance behaviour, arguing that the driver is disrupting your use and enjoyment of your property.

However, going through the courts can be a lengthy and potentially expensive process. Court fees are a primary cost, and these can range from £35 to £10,000 or more, depending on the value of the claim. Additionally, there are legal fees for solicitors and barristers, expert witness fees, and expenses for travel, photocopying, and potentially loss of earnings