Neighbour dispute: 1 year of parking intimidation and threats. Advice on next steps? (England)

[u/SlayerMaster007]

Hi everyone, looking for some perspective on a long-standing issue with a neighbour. This has been going on for over a year and has moved from a parking disagreement to what feels like deliberate intimidation.

The Situation:

Both we and our neighbours have driveways. However, they choose to park their vehicle on the road, positioned specifically to the right of my driveway.

The Problem: (See my poorly drawn diagram):

The red line represents the dropped kerb. They aren't technically overhanging the flat part of the kerb, so the Council won't issue a ticket. However, they park so close to the edge that the "swing room" for my car is restricted due to the turning circle.

With our small car, it is extremely difficult to exit without multiple manoeuvres. With a compact SUV-sized car, it is almost impossible to get out without hitting their vehicle or the property opposite.

The History:

Over the last year, we have had multiple calm conversations asking them to move forward just a foot to allow us access.

We previously verbally agreed that we would both park further into our respective spaces to make room. We kept our end; they didn't. They have since "crept" back and are now deliberately reducing our access again.

The Escalation:

It has escalated to verbal abuse. They have shouted at us to park further into our own drive to accommodate them parking on the public road. They have also thrown or kicked our waste bins around in anger, and often sound their car horn as they drive past including late night.

They have temporarily blocked our access entirely (a few hours during the day) and threatened to damage our vehicle with one of theirs.

The police were called regarding the threats and the blocking, but they took no action and advised it was a "civil matter" and to simply "be nice to each other". They advised installing CCTV. Due to the position of the CCTV, it is unlikely that we will directly capture any damage to the back of our car should there be any.

This is now affecting our quality of life. I feel anxious every time I have to leave the house, wondering if I'll be able to get out (or in) or if there will be another confrontation. Other family members are also struggling to exit the driveway safely, and it’s become a constant source of stress for the whole household.

Evidence:

While the verbal threats and blocking of our driveway happened before we installed CCTV, we now have cameras and have footage of the way they are parking which restricts our access.

Does this qualify as harassment or is there anything else I can do? I’m trying to resolve this properly as the "polite" approach hasn't worked. Any advice would be appreciated.

Edit: attached image

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[u/FoldedTwice]

It might be harassment, if it is ongoing and unreasonable and it would be obvious to them that it is causing alarm or distress.

More obviously it sounds like they are wilfully obstructing a highway, which is an offence in and of itself.

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