A CAR has been towed after somebody could not get out of their garage to get to work.

The incident happened in Smithills, earlier today.

A silver Vauxhall Vectra was parked on the pavement directly in front of somebody's garage door.

The car could not leave the garage, meaning the owner could not get to work.

Traffic police issued a Traffic Offence Report and towed the vehicle.

What does the law say about blocking driveways and garages?

A homeowner has no special legal right to park directly outside their property

All road users have the same right to park anywhere on the public highway as long as they do not contravene parking restrictions.

However, it may be different if somebody is blocking your driveway or garage, depending on whether there is a dropped kerb in front of it.

According to website Ask The Police: "If the vehicle is blocking access to your driveway you should first make enquiries with the neighbours to see if they know who the car belongs to so they can move it.

"Local councils have now taken on responsibility for enforcing parking provisions under what is known as Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE).

"Under CPE it's an offence to park a vehicle so that it blocks a dropped kerb driveway. You will usually need to report vehicles that are obstructing a dropped kerb to your local council."

What can be done about it?
The police/council policy for dealing with it varies. Some police forces may only attend if your car is blocked in and you cannot get out.

Police will often act in cases such as this by towing the car and issuing a penalty notice. 

What about if somebody is parked ON the driveway?
This is trespassing.

As trespass is a civil and not criminal offence the police will not always get involved.

They can and may send an officer to try and determine the owner of the vehicle and ask them to move.

Don't be tempted to block them in though by obstructing the highway, as this is a criminal offence itself.