Forum Topic

Car Vandalism, Cumberland Road

Has anybody had trouble when they've parked on this road?  We parked late Thursday night, tucking our car behind another one, ensuring we weren't blocking a nearby drive, but two days later came back to find we had a ticket.  It seems we were, indeed, over the white line marking the drive - but not in any way blocking it - by about six inches.  Sharp practice, but...well, fair enough.  However, our car had also been viciously vandalised, with four deep, long scratches down the driver's side, nearest the pavement, and one down the passenger side.  Thousands of pounds worth of damage, and neither of us were convinced it was a coincidence.  So, I was just wondering...has anybody else had this happen to them on this road?

Adam Kimmel ● 3064d10 Comments

Thanks for you replies. We're pretty sure it was the house that we were parked outside, although we can't prove anything.  The attach was so vicious, it was most definitely not a passing vandal (who would have been happy to just put one long scratch and scarper).  I had to stop my partner from going and knocking on their door.  We did report it to the police, and they suggested checking with neighbours, but I thought I'd try here first, see if anybody had had similar problems.  Thanks again.

Adam Kimmel ● 3053d

Putting the ticket to one side, and about the damage. My thinking would be - an annoyed neighbour. Probably I'd guess the one outside the one you parked. But just presuming. Maybe some CCTV footage would reveal what and you did it. But you CCTV wiped after 14 days. Worth a shot. if kind neighbour's on that road.

Vasken Tchengrakian ● 3055d

Hi Adam. I live around the corner from Cumberland Rd and work late shifts so I'm often walking down there on the way home around midnight to one in the morning. I haven't heard or seen anyone scratching cars there. From your description, it is apparent vandalism and not an scrap from a passing vehicle. You have my sympathies.Have you considered knocking on doors in the vicinity of where you parked to see if someone knows anything?

Joseph Jones ● 3055d

I'm wondering though do they issue a ticket at the request of the owner of the property, there are often vehicles parked partly across my drive which I do ignore as they are usually visiting neighbours and it doesn't bother me and they never seem to be issued with parking tickets which makes me think it's at the request of the owner.

Janice Evans ● 3057d

I found this - there was a diagram as well, but it has not copied.  Essentially if you are parked in front of the kerbs that are at road height, or the slanted kerbstones either side, then you are causing an obstruction.  Not that it warrants vandalism of your car!WHAT IS CONSIDERED DROPPED KERB OBSTRUCTIONDropped kerb parkingThe extent at which obstruction is considered as a contravention code 27 of parking adjacent to a dropped footway includes the height transition kerb stones between the lower and higher part of the kerb as detailed in the diagram to the right.WHO CAN ISSUE A PENALTY CHARGE NOTICE FOR PARKING ALONGSIDE A DROPPED KERBCouncil enforcementUnder the Traffic Management Act 2004, grant councils that are Special Enforcement Areas (SPA) the power to enforce contravention code 27: Parked adjacent to a dropped footway.

Vivienne Duggan ● 3060d

Not if the photo shows date and time, should be proof.

Janice Evans ● 3063d

Thanks - we only live round the corner, so didn't think of it as leaving it for a long time (it was about 36 hours) so didn't think of taking a photo.  When we discovered it we were both so upset we didn't think to take a photo of it parked, and I reckoned at the time it wouldn't prove anything 'cos they could say we'd just moved it for the photo.

Adam Kimmel ● 3063d

Also was advised if leaving your car for any length of time take a photo of how it was parked because if someone assumes it has been dumped they will shunt it onto a line to make way for their own vehicle.

Janice Evans ● 3063d

Have since look this up and you would get a ticket if across the drop kerb,Being on the white line is not a reason for a parking ticket apparently.

Janice Evans ● 3063d

Never knew white lines across a drive were enforceable and we're just a deterrent for motorists, I'm surprised you got a ticket and as for the damage cannot see WHY someone would do that.

Janice Evans ● 3064d