The fourth day of the first Ashes Test was a thrilling one for fans who packed into Edgbaston - but one spectator thought his day had been ruined when he returned to his car afterwards.
A bizarre warning notice falsely claiming to be approved by police was left on a legally parked car near the Stadium - leaving the supporter justifiably stunned. The rogue note was pinned to a vehicle in Oakfield Road, Balsall Heath, during Monday's action between England against Australia, which concluded with the outcome very much still in the balance.
According to a report by BPM Media, the notice warned the motorist, who wasn't parked on yellow lines, that they could be "liable for a fixed penalty charge" and that West Midlands Police "approved" its use. Both the force and Birmingham City Council denied involvement when approached for comment.
The cricket fan, who didn't wish to be named, suspects local residents left the note on his car in an apparent scare tactic. The famous cricket ground is just half-a-mile away. At first, he believed a parking officer had left him a ticket, but he was amazed to quickly realise it was "completely unenforceable".
He said: "I thought I'd been given a ticket when I got back to my car but a quick read made it clear it was completely unenforceable. "I appreciate residents living near Edgbaston must get tired of people parking in their streets, but creating some kind of quasi-police note isn't the right way to address it, in my opinion.
"They should campaign for double yellow lines if they really want to keep their street clear - although I'm willing to bet they knew the cricket ground was there before they moved in."
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The notice, in bold black and white letters, was headed with "WARNING! DO NOT IGNORE!" before listing potential parking conditions which "may" have been breached.
It reads: "It would appear that you have either: parked in an inconsiderate manner and may be obstructing a footway crossing; or parked less than 10 metres from a road junction obstructing other road users' views; or parked too near a pedestrian refuge creating difficulties for large vehicles; or illegally parked on the footway obstructing the free passage of pedestrians, wheelchairs, pushchairs and guide dog users, all of which have priority.
"You could be liable for a fixed penalty charge. Text and use approved by West Midlands Police."
