Vehicles causing obstruction

Find out how to report a vehicle causing an obstruction or parked dangerously.

Vehicles parking in contravention of existing waiting restrictions, such as yellow lines, should be reported to the relevant district or borough council parking service.

A district or borough council will not be able to intervene in suspected cases of dangerous or obstructive parking. This could be where a vehicle is parked on the pavement, where there are no waiting restrictions or if the land is private.

If a vehicle is thought to be causing an obstruction, preventing access for emergency vehicles, parked on the pavement or blocking a driveway, report it to Sussex Police. Please use the non-emergency number 101 or email your local policing team.

Be mindful that obstruction is a very broad issue and that Sussex Police have limited resources. They will review each report on a case-by-case basis and can only issue a fixed penalty or take other action in certain circumstances, for example, when an obstruction is likely to endanger life.

Parking within 10 metres of a junction

The Highway Code (Rule 243) states that drivers should not - rather than must not - park opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space. Therefore, doing so is not an offence in its own right.

However, action may be taken by Sussex Police if it is considered that a vehicle is parked dangerously or is causing an obstruction.

 
Last updated:
14 November 2023
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  • West Sussex County Council will only use this email address to respond to any issues raised.