WHEN driving it is possible to sometimes miss a sign stating that the next road is private.
Here is a guide on what to expect when driving on a private road and how much the potential fine could be.
Driving a private road means you can be fined for trespassing.
This is a civil offence, so you can’t be arrested or go to jail.
The owner of the road can asl you to leave and should you not follow that request, they could call the police.
However they are not legally allowed to restrain you while the owners wait for the police to arrive.
It is also possible that they sue you.
But you can face damages and legal costs if a court rules in the road owners’ favour.
It’s highly unlikely that driving on a private road once would land you in any trouble.
Driving a big, noisy vehicle or using the private road repeatedly would be more likely to lead to fine.
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How much could I have to pay out?
Fines and court damages for trespassing vary widely, depending on the offence.
Travellers are now being fined up to £2,500 for camping on private land after new laws were introduced in the summer of 2021.
But first time offenders face smaller charges of £300.
The pricier part of any proceedings is likely to be legal costs, however.
One couple spent £200,000 suing their neighbours for parking in a shared driveway.
Somerset bricklayer Grant Shortland called the cops more than 200 times in the bizarre four-year legal battle.
But he ultimately won the case, with the rival Hills family paying out £98k in their own costs – and the Shortlands’ £100k on top.
These are unusual sums, but they show just how uncivil – and costly – civil lawsuits can become.
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Can I get permission to drive on a private road?
Still, the owners of a private road can give drivers permission to use it if they want to.
Local homeowners must agree a Road Maintenance Agreement to look after the private road between them.
Taxpayers don’t pay a penny towards its upkeep – and even drink driving laws don’t apply as normal.
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But if you don’t live along it, you can still get in trouble.
So just to be safe, private roads are better left to their owners.
What else should I look out for on the road?
Under new laws drivers face £200 fines or six points on their licence for using their phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send and receive data behind the wheel.
It is also possible to lose your licence if you passed your driving test in the last 2 years.
Ministers are bringing in changes to make it illegal for motorists to even touch their phones – except in an emergency.
We’ve also reported on how much you can expect to shell out if you’re caught drunk driving over the festive season.
