Parking on private land without permission isn’t usually a criminal offence, but it is classed as trespass under civil law. That means while it’s not “illegal” in the criminal sense, landowners still have the right to take action—such as requesting removal or pursuing compensation.
What Counts as Private Land?
Private land can include:
- Residential driveways or private access roads
- Business car parks, depots, or industrial estates
- Privately owned fields, open land, or service areas
If the land is not publicly maintained, the owner controls who can park there.
What the Law Says
- Unauthorised parking is generally a civil matter, not a police issue
- Landowners can issue Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) if clear signage sets out the parking terms
- Persistent trespass may lead to civil claims or restricted future access
- Police will usually only get involved if there is obstruction of the highway, criminal damage, or safety concerns
What Landowners Can Do
- Request the vehicle is moved (politely or in writing where possible)
- Install bollards, gates, or height restriction barriers to prevent repeat access
- Collect evidence (photos, registration, dates/times) if issues continue
- Work with an approved private parking operator for ongoing enforcement
What You Should Not Do
- Do not clamp, block-in, tow, or damage the vehicle — this is illegal under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
- Avoid confrontation or attempting to move the vehicle yourself
Key Takeaway
Unauthorised parking on private land is trespass, not a criminal offence—so enforcement relies on civil action and prevention. The most effective solution is to control access and stop it happening in the first place.
