We got sick of drivers parking outside our homes so we took the matter into our own hands

A GROUP of residents have taken matters into their own hands after becoming fed up with drivers parking outside their homes.

The residents of Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, have found an ingenious solution to the problem that has plagued them for years.

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They have now resorted to putting up fake parking signs to deter other drivers and keep the road clear.

The signs say the street is a “residents car park” and feature mock council and police logos.

Although they have no legal authority and drivers cannot be fined for parking there, the signs have proven effective in deterring potentially anti-social parkers.

A local resident said this Liverpool Echo: “We have been plagued by cars on this road for a long, long time.

“A couple left their car and just drove to Spain.

“The signage was excellent though, we’ve never seen our street like this before.”

More than 50 of the signs were posted, sparking criticism from some residents.

The police and community logos have since had to be removed or covered after a warning from authorities, but most of the signs themselves remained in place.

One driver described them as “elitist” and said they “pit people against each other”, but residents insist they are necessary to prevent traffic jams.

One explained: “A few years ago, before we got double yellow lines further down, they parked on both sides.”

“There was an ambulance that couldn’t get to my father, who had collapsed.

“And not long ago a recycling truck came down and couldn’t come out because of the parking lot. He was stuck there for a few hours.”

A spokesman for St Helens Borough Council said: “There is no residents-only parking system in this area and the signs are unenforceable.”

“Motorists can park here, as in other residential areas, responsibly and legally, taking into account accessibility for residents, pedestrians and emergency vehicles.”