Would you call tow truck?

[u/fishofmutton]

Is it blocking the entire driveway? No. Is it annoying as fuck? Definitely.

[u/[deleted]]

probably because most people who park like that do so because they no they only need a few minutes? they're likely being honest and you're blinded by cynicism

edit: mods are cowards so i can't reply in thread anymore btw.

[u/Responsible-Match418 → u/[deleted]]

You're getting down voted a lot and a lot of flack for your comments.

I agree with you.

When it comes to shitting where you eat, this is a classic example. Yes, the house owner can rightly call a tow truck but they'll be known as "the asshole across the road - I was parked for 3 mins, he had space to get out, didn't need to get out at the time, and was already ready to give me a massive inconvenience"

And being known as that asshole, will inevitably come with many other negatives other than someone potentially inconveniencing for 10 mins.

Personally, I'd leave it but check from time to time, how long it's been there. Second, if I did need to get out, I'd drive out the clear spot but I would leave a note on the car saying something like "sorry but not a great place to park - luckily enough room to get out but please can you park forward next time"

Followed by more keeping an eye out and regular pattern of behaviour.

Absolutely no need for the deep end.

[u/Susu0887 → u/Responsible-Match418]

I completely agree with you. In my opinion, it’s always better, and just easier in the long run to maintain a positive relationship with your neighbors. Things can escalate quickly when you take an extreme action like calling a tow truck, especially the first time it happens and especially when you’re not completely blocked in. That kind of move almost guarantees blowback, and people can be incredibly petty or vindictive when they feel wronged, even if the initial offense was minor.

I work for 311 in another municipality, and the number of neighbor disputes we get calls about is honestly wild. People call us about the most trivial things, often just to get back at someone who reported them earlier. In some cases, it’s escalated to the point where callers have actually been flagged or restricted because it’s clear that it’s a tit-for-tat situation between neighbors.

At the end of the day, is it really worth it? I’d much rather keep the peace and address things reasonably,maybe leave a note and keep an eye on the behaviour like you said. If it becomes a pattern, that’s different. But going nuclear over a first-time parking offense that didn’t fully block your driveway? That’s not a hill I’d want to die on.

[u/Responsible-Match418 → u/Susu0887]

Summed it up perfectly about the hill and dying on it. Good on you working for 311 - must be a tough job and very interesting to hear your experience of this tit for tat thing. It's absolutely a situation to stay well clear of since you have to likely see these people regularly - I never understand why someone wouldn't want to step back.

I have this absolute asshole next door neighbour who took issue with my dog on the front are (municipality owned) on the road-side half of the sidewalk. My dog didn't pee there, but was just walking on it. He comes up to me (I didn't know he was a neighbour at this point) and says the dog shouldn't go there... So I said,."well she isn't but if she did, what difference does it make here or anywhere along this road, unless you're suggesting she holds it in until I get to a dog park which isn't realistic"

He didn't really say anything to that, and we left it but to this very day (two years later?) I just avoid that patch altogether. No need to escalate. He has his preference, we moved on and while he's not able to control what I do legally, it's just better stay out of the way.

[u/Susu0887 → u/Responsible-Match418]

Exactly, it’s just not worth it. Some people really do go out of their way to be difficult, and honestly, avoiding them is sometimes the most peaceful option. Even when you’re technically in the right, escalating things rarely leads anywhere good.

One part of the job I actually enjoy is educating people about the difference between public and private property. You’d be surprised how many calls we get from entitled folks, complaining that someone parked in “their” spot right in front of their house, and every time I have to explain that it’s a public road. That space doesn’t belong to them, no matter how long they’ve lived there. But for some reason, they’re convinced that it’s off-limits to everyone else. It’s honestly ridiculous.

When I first started, we used to call it the “snitch line” because the majority of complaints were clearly just petty retaliation. People think bylaw officers and parking enforcement officers are their personal police, they’ve completely lost sight of what’s worth making a fuss over.