UK motorists are being urged to pay closer attention to their driveways, as a few overlooked mistakes could see them hit with a £100 fine or even invalidate their insurance.
The condition of your driveway is easy to overlook, but ignoring it can come with real consequences. From hidden hazards to damage that puts pressure on your tyres, an untidy or deteriorating driveway can lead to fines, vehicle issues, and even problems with your insurance.
Graham Conway, managing director of Select Car Leasing, said: “People often forget about driveway maintenance when looking after their car, but it’s usually the first place where small issues start to appear.
“If you’ve got oil leaks, worn tyres, or clutter piling up, it can lead to bigger issues down the line. A clean, organised driveway helps protect your vehicle, avoids potential legal trouble and makes summer driving that little bit smoother.”
Clean up oil and fluid stains
Spots of oil or fluid often build up when a car has been parked in the same place for a while. If they’re left untreated, these spills can become slippery or even damage the driveway surface over time.
For older stains, a specialist driveway cleaner or degreaser will usually do the trick. For fresher spills, common household items such as bicarbonate of soda, dish soap or even cat litter can be surprisingly effective.
It’s also worth fixing other surface hazards, such as loose gravel or uneven paving slabs, which can wear down your tyres over time.
Declutter to avoid legal trouble
It may come as a surprise, but a cluttered or overloaded driveway may result in a fine, particularly if items or parked vehicles spill out onto public pathways or block visibility for other road users.
UK law states that vehicles should not obstruct pavements or be parked in a way that causes inconvenience or danger. If your driveway is overflowing and cars are sticking out onto the street, you could be hit with a Penalty Charge Notice of up to £100, depending on your local council.
However, you can avoid this by making sure all cars are parked fully on your property and not covering kerbs or verges. If your household has more cars than space, consider applying for resident permits or rotating parking to stay within the rules.
Check drainage and surface condition
Even though summer can often bring drier weather, poor drainage or cracked surfaces can still cause problems, especially when combined with heat and tyre friction throughout the warmer months.
To keep things safe, clear debris from drains and fix any cracks or holes that may have developed over winter, as these can get worse with regular use.
Clear weeds to protect your tyres
Weeds may seem like just a cosmetic issue, but if left untreated, they can damage your driveway’s surface. Growing between slabs and in cracks, they widen gaps and weaken the structure, creating an uneven surface that strains your tyres and suspension.
Weeds also hold moisture, encouraging moss and algae that create slippery patches and pose a safety risk. To stay on top of it, regularly pull weeds or use a suitable weed killer that won’t harm your driveway’s surface. You should also sweep the area often to stop new seeds from taking root and consider applying a sealant if cracks have already appeared.
Don’t risk invalidating your insurance
A poorly maintained driveway isn’t just a risk to your car; it could also put your insurance at risk. If damage to your vehicle is caused by hazards like loose gravel or oil spills on your property, insurers might argue that the issue stems from neglect and could deny your claim.
Similarly, if your policy states that your vehicle is stored in a secure driveway but it’s actually parked on an unsafe or deteriorated surface, this could be seen as a misrepresentation and affect your cover.
To avoid problems, make sure your driveway is kept in safe condition and matches the information you’ve provided to your insurer. It’s a simple step that could make all the difference if you ever need to make a claim.
