Bollards on private road

[Davejura]

Hello. New poster here! We live on a private, dead end road which has limited space for parking. Last year, the house opposite us was bought by a couple who decided they didn't want anyone parking outside their house, which is close to the road. This police have been involved numerous times and their attitude is that it is a civil matter. It all came to a head yesterday when they had bollards fitted on an approximately 15m stretch of road to prevent people parking. Everyone else is furious and he is threatening us with the police for criminal damage if they are touched. My question is, what is the legal position if we simply unbolt them and place them back in his garden without damaging them? There is some doubt over who owns the road, but we are pretty sure it is the local authority even if it is unadopted. Thanks!

[PallasAthena]

You need to find out who owns the road and what rights and responsibilities the owners of the houses have.

[des8]

Altho' the road might be "private", (by which I assume you mean "unadopted"), it might be a public right of way
If it is a public right of way those bollards will be causing an obstruction
Your County Council might have a map on line showing public rights of way

[Davejura]

A few of us want to get the spanners out and take them down. Really just want to know if we could be charged with criminal damage if we do!

[atticus]

Clearly that is possible.

Someone needs to investigate to understand the various property rights, rights of way etc in order to advise on your rights and entitlements.

[Crazy council]

one of my family members have been in this position.

Check your deeds, they probably give everyone the right to travel over the land unobstructed. If they do, send them a letter before claim informing them if there not removed immediately you will have them removed and charge them costs for the inconvenience.