DRIVERS who leave their cars on residential streets in Cowley may soon find an unusual ‘parking ticket’ waiting for them.

The homemade notices include the date and car’s registration number along with the message: “Thank you for visiting Cowley, we welcome considerate drivers and hope on your next visit, you use the public parking facilities.

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“We’ve written down your details, to enter you into our monthly prize draw.

"Thank you for your co-operation. Remember to visit us again soon…”

Oxford Mail:

The new community 'parking ticket'. Picture via David Henwood

The warnings have been designed by city councillor David Henwood and follow a public meeting earlier this month attended by around 50 residents concerned about parking problems and speeding, as well as county councillor John Sanders.

Mr Henwood, who has described the area as in 'meltdown' over the issue, said: “Some serial offenders in Cowley, have been known to park in residents’ driveways, preventing them from leaving their house, and think nothing of occupying a disabled bay. It’s time to demand change.”

READ AGAIN: Cowley in 'meltdown' over parking problems

He added people at the meeting had wanted a way to remind drivers of the impact they were having in a 'friendly' way and were inspired by handwritten notes left on cars by a woman who lives at The Grates.

Mr Henwood said: "It may not be the right approach but we thought it was worth a try to hopefully encourage better behaviour from motorists.

Oxford Mail:

Handwritten notes left on cars in The Grates

"The community parking ticket is a nice friendly note asking people to be more considerate. We don't want people to be offended but to do the right thing."

The councillor said residents also raised concerns at the meeting over NHS staff and British Gas employees similarly 'dumping' cars and that the group would be writing to companies to invite their representatives to future meetings to discuss parking considerately.

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On the draw mentioned on the new notices, Mr Henwood said a prize had not been decided yet but that it could be driving lessons or a chocolate car to fit in with the 'tongue-in-cheek' nature of the tickets.

A thousand of the notes are expected to be printed and handed out to the group from September 1, to tie in with the end of the school holidays.

The group will next meet again on October 15, from 6.30pm until 8.30pm at The Venue on Barns Road.