Highway code loophole means strangers can park their car in your drive

Mr Charnock explained: “If a homeowner suspects the vehicle has been abandoned, their local council would be required to move the car regardless of its position on private or public land.

“However, if the car has up-to-date MOT, tax, insurance and is not in a position where it could cause danger to anyone around, the council are again powerless.”

If a car is parked on a public road and blocking a driveway, the driver is committing a parking offence. Therefore local authorities can get involved and issue a fine.

According to the Highway Code, a motorist must not park in front of the entrance to a property. It’s also illegal to park across a driveway with a dropped kerb – penalties include three points and a £100 fine.