Loophole that allows anyone to park on YOUR driveway could be closed by new law – but most Brits will still be affected

A NEW law could protect motorists from a bizarre loophole that effectively allows anyone to park on private property.

Drivers across the country have been affected by a gap in the law that leaves landowners virtually powerless to move a vehicle parked on their property without permission.

But residents in Jersey could soon have the ability to prevent "nuisance parking", after a draft law was lodged by the Minister for Home Affairs.

The proposed legalisation would allow islanders to remove cars parked on private property without permission, and also apply for an order to prevent it from happening again.

Planned for the beginning of next year, the ruling would also make it illegal for landowners to place wheel clamps on nuisance vehicles.

Unfortunately the law only applies to the Channel Island, meaning Brits across the UK will still be forced to battle with the frustrating loophole.

When it comes to a stranger parking on your driveway, an issue arises when the line between criminal and civil law is blurred.

If a car is parked on a public road and it is blocking your driveway, local authorities certainly have the power to issue a fine and can even have it removed.

But if the vehicle is parked entirely on your driveway or another part of private property, local councils have no jurisdiction.

DRIVEWAY ROBBERY The bizarre law which means anyone can park on your drive – and it could end up costing you money

And while police may acknowledge the car is trespassing on your land, they will file it as a civil matter, meaning you will be forced to take the vehicle owner to court if they won't move it.

Court dealings can be lengthy and expensive, and having the vehicle towed without the owner's permission could see you liable for any damage incurred.

Constable Len Norman, Jersey's Minister for Home Affairs, : "Vehicles that are parked on private land without permission can be a source of great frustration for private landowners.

"Currently, private landowners have few remedies to deal with the problem, and it can involve a costly legal process.

"The introduction of this law will make it much easier for private landowners to seek relief from vehicles that have been abandoned on their land or that are causing a nuisance, obstruction or a potential hazard to the emergency services."