A Bristol mother faces ongoing tension with her neighbour after choosing to continue parking partially across the newly created driveway, despite receiving multiple angry notes on her car.
Origins of the Neighbourhood Dispute
Astrid Cooper, 34, a mother of two, explains that the conflict started about a year ago when her neighbour transformed the front garden into a driveway. Since then, vehicles parked nearby receive handwritten demands to move, such as ‘stop,’ ‘stop parking here,’ and ‘can you park your car down slightly and not across my drive.’
Astrid acknowledges her car sits partly on the pavement but insists it does not block driveway access. She views the notes as excessive, noting they target anyone using the space.
‘She’s been doing this ever since she turned her front garden into a driveway,’ Astrid states. ‘I was actually chatting to neighbours about it; she leaves notes on everyone’s cars.’
Key Legal Concerns: Dropped Kerb and Pavement Parking
Astrid highlights that the driveway lacks an official dropped kerb, a requirement from Bristol City Council for legal vehicle access over the pavement. She contacted the council in October 2025 to report this but received no reply.
Council guidelines mandate installing a dropped kerb and vehicle crossover before using such a driveway. Meanwhile, councils across England gain enhanced authority to address pavement parking under recent legislation.
Astrid recognises pavement parking restrictions but argues the issue is overstated in areas with scarce spaces. ‘I totally get that by law you’re not supposed to park on the pavement but I would love to meet a single person who’s never parked on a pavement in their life,’ she says. ‘Everyone was kicking off because we already have limited parking as it is.’
She maintains both parties have flaws, but the notes seem disproportionate since driveway entry remains feasible. ‘We’re both not perfect; it’s not necessary to put post-it notes on cars when she can still get on and off the driveway,’ Astrid adds. ‘A lot of people have seen it from my perspective. She hasn’t dropped the kerb; she’s not abiding by the rules.’
Escalating Confrontations and Community Impact
The disagreement has led to direct clashes. During one incident, while loading her children into the car, Astrid asked for space amid the stress. Another time, after agreeing to adjust her position, tensions rose. ‘I have every right to park here; I’m just trying to deal with my kids at the moment,’ she recounted.
Astrid worries the feud harms their otherwise close-knit community, complicating outings with her toddler and five-year-old. Parking farther away adds significant hassle.
Online Backlash and Divided Opinions
A video of the notes has garnered over 65,000 views online, sparking sharp debate. Critics call the parking inconsiderate and illegal, with comments like: ‘It’s illegal to park on the footway’ and ‘You’re in the wrong!’
Supporters back Astrid, asserting: ‘You are NOT wrong. You are legally parked.’
Bristol City Council confirms dropped kerbs are essential for garden-to-driveway conversions. Efforts to reach the neighbour for comment continue.
