A HOMEOWNER solved the problem of strangers parking on his driveway thanks to a cheap hack from Screwfix.
The motorist, whose identity has not been revealed, decided to take action after thieves made off with his motorhome, which had been parked outside his property.
GettyThe homeowner took action after his motorhome was stolen from his driveway (stock image)[/caption]
GettyThe motorist fitted retractable bollards himself to save a considerable sum of money (stock image)[/caption]
Having had the original motorhome stolen in January and getting a replacement, he decided to beef up the security.
He bought a Growler alarm and a Non Starter, preventing the motorhome from starting, but also wanted to install a visual deterrent to stop intruders from even accessing his driveway.
The man decided to get retractable bollards fitted, and went about getting quotes from professionals.
They suggested it would cost between £2,500 and £3,000.
He told Motorhome Fun: “I didn’t want to put bollards across the drive entrance as I knew that we would soon forget or not bother to put them in place every night, and the aim was specifically to protect my new motorhome.
“I was shocked to receive quotes of £2,500 and £3,000 for three retractable bollards supplied and fitted.
“I explained we live close to the beach and our house sits on sand – only about a foot below the soil you hit sand so easy to excavate – but no budging on the price.”
Not wanting to fork out that kind of money, he set about finding a cheaper DIY alternative than getting the professionals in.
He headed to his local Screwfix and bought a hole digger for just £34 and dug a metre-deep hole to fit the bollards in.
The man said: “I was a bit sceptical but needing about a 1 metre depth, after only 5 minutes I had gone down 1.5metres and had to fill it in.”
He then turned to the internet to get the required materials to install his own bollards and was able to get the same items used by the professionals for just £90.
The homeowner added: “Some postcrete and chippings later, I soon had the bollards in place, then I raised the two at the rear slightly as the drive slopes and I wanted to be sure they were high enough.
“Probably not necessary, but it was best to be sure.”
Having spent £300 on three bollards, plus the expense of the hole digger and the filling materials, he estimated he spent only a tenth of the cost quoted by the professionals, making a substantial saving and still keeping his new vehicle safe.
What is the parking space law in the UK?
An occupier of a space or a waiting driver could be breaking the law.
A driver who behaves aggressively and tries to intimidate a standing person could be liable for dangerous driving.
If they are found to be liable they could be facing a £1,000 fine.
A pedestrian who is proven to be a “nuisance” by blocking a space can also find themselves in trouble.
A nuisance parking offender can be issued a £100 fixed penalty notice according to the government website.
However, it is legal to simply stand in a parking space.
You can stand there until your car or a friend’s car arrives and fills the gap, whether or not another driver believes differently.
However, the situation can easily get complicated.
He said: “Hope this helps anybody looking at installing bollards – I am usually a DIY Disaster so if I can do it, anyone can.”
Previously, the RAC has recommended installing your own bollards to stop people parking on your drive.
Although it might feel like it should be. someone blocking your driveway it is not technically illegal.
There have been a number of cases in the UK where homeowners have been stuck with a stranger’s car on their driveway, only to be told neither police nor local authorities have the power to move it.
In the instance of a stranger parking on your driveway, an issue arises when the line between criminal and civil law is blurred.
Earlier this month, it was revealed residents in Ipswich, Suffolk, have been locked in a 10-year battle with students over their blocked driveways.
Previously, a homeowner told how a neighbour kept parking over their driveway and how they got their revenge.
GettyThe homeowner decided to install the bollards himself after being quoted between £2,500-£3,000 to get the job done professionally (stock image)[/caption]“}]]