Storing a unit when not in use

by Teacey
(Peterborough)


Can you please advise what restrictions there are / aren't to where you can park a fish and chip van overnight and when not in use?

I am not a trader I'm afraid, I'm a householder who has just had one land (so far unused by someone who has got one cheap but never run one before) outside my house. Is it allowed to park outside someone else's house and leave it there?
Local parking is seriously restricted as most householders have off road parking only, so it's causing a lot of frustration.

They have been asked to move by other residents, but haven't yet. Am not unsympathetic to setting up this type of business but would prefer it wasn't stored outside my house.

Can you advise what the rules are or aren't please?
Many thanks

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Mar 17, 2026
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starstarstarstarstar 		Parking Ice Cream Van on Road
by: MobCater

Yes — they usually can park there, even outside your house.

In the UK, the road isn’t owned by the house it’s outside, so anyone can park there as long as they’re not breaking any rules.

That means:

no double yellow lines

not blocking a driveway

not in a permit-only space without a permit

If none of that applies, then it’s normally allowed — even if it’s a fish and chip van.

That said, it can still be an issue, especially in areas where parking is already tight.

Things like:

taking up a lot of space

making it harder for residents to park

or just being left there long-term

…can understandably frustrate people.

From experience in mobile catering, most decent operators wouldn’t want to upset residents — it’s usually better to store the unit:

on private land

in a yard

or somewhere it’s not causing problems

So it might be worth a polite conversation with the owner if possible.

If that doesn’t help, you can contact your local council and ask if:

there are rules about commercial vehicles overnight or if it could be classed as a nuisance or abandoned vehicle

Just being honest — if it’s parked legally, the council may not take action, but it’s still worth checking.

Rules can vary depending on your local council, so it’s always best to confirm with them directly.

Best of luck

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