There are strict UK rules on parking when you are using a drive
UK drivers are being warned to keep an eye on their driveways or risk a £100 fine and potentially void their car insurance.
Neglecting the state of your driveway might seem trivial, but it can lead to serious consequences, including fines, vehicle damage, and insurance issues. Hidden dangers and wear and tear could be putting undue stress on your tyres and creating hazards that might not only affect your pocket but also your safety.
Select Car Leasing’s managing director, Graham Conway, has highlighted the importance of driveway upkeep, stating: “People often forget about driveway maintenance when looking after their car, but it’s usually the first place where small issues start to appear.”
He added: “If you’ve got oil leaks, worn tyres, or clutter piling up, it can lead to bigger issues down the line. A clean, organised driveway helps protect your vehicle, avoids potential legal trouble and makes summer driving that little bit smoother.”
To avoid these pitfalls, it’s crucial to address oil and fluid stains that accumulate under parked cars. Untreated, these can become hazardous and cause damage to the driveway itself, reports Lancs Live.
For tackling older stains, a specialist driveway cleaner or degreaser is recommended. However, for newer spills, household remedies like bicarbonate of soda, dish soap, or even cat litter can work wonders.
Additionally, it’s wise to repair any surface imperfections such as loose gravel or uneven paving slabs, which can contribute to tyre deterioration over time.
You might be shocked to learn that a cluttered or overloaded driveway could land you in hot water with the law, especially if items or parked vehicles encroach onto public footpaths or obstruct other road users’ view.
UK legislation stipulates that vehicles must not block pavements or be parked in a manner that causes inconvenience or danger. If your driveway is brimming and cars are protruding onto the road, you could be slapped with a Penalty Charge Notice of up to £100, depending on your local council’s rules.
However, this can be avoided by ensuring all cars are parked entirely on your property and not covering kerbs or verges. If your home has more cars than space, think about applying for resident permits or rotating parking to stay within the regulations.
Even though summer often brings drier weather, poor drainage or cracked surfaces can still pose problems, particularly when combined with heat and tyre friction during the warmer months.
To maintain safety, remove debris from drains and repair any cracks or holes that may have formed over winter, as these can worsen with regular use.
Weeds might appear to be just an aesthetic problem, but if neglected, they can damage your driveway’s surface. Growing between slabs and in cracks, they widen gaps and weaken the structure, creating an uneven surface that puts strain on your tyres and suspension.
Weeds can retain moisture, fostering moss and algae that create slippery spots and pose a safety hazard. To keep on top of it, regularly weed or use an appropriate weed killer that won’t damage your driveway’s surface. Regular sweeping is also recommended to prevent new seeds from taking root, and consider applying a sealant if cracks have already formed.
A neglected driveway isn’t just a risk to your car; it could also endanger your insurance. If your vehicle is damaged by hazards like loose gravel or oil spills on your property, insurers might argue that the problem arises from neglect and could reject your claim. Likewise, if your policy states that your vehicle is stored in a secure driveway but it’s actually parked on an unsafe or deteriorated surface, this could be viewed as a misrepresentation and impact your cover.
To avoid issues, ensure your driveway is maintained in a safe condition and matches the information you’ve given to your insurer. It’s a straightforward step that could make all the difference if you ever need to make a claim.
