Running costs of unused park and ride revealed

A park and ride, which is not yet operational, is costing more than nine thousand pounds per month to maintain, according to a freedom of information request (FOI).

The £51m site on the A40 at Eynsham is currently unused and Oxfordshire County Council has confirmed that site security, lighting and fencing is costing £9, 531.50 per month.

The security and maintenance of the site are provided as part of the existing contract with Balfour Beatty at no extra cost to the council.

The 850-space park and ride was completed in 2024 but has not been able to open due to a lack of road access which is currently waiting planning approval.

Oxfordshire County Council said the planning application to connect it to the nearby A40 was not submitted until July 2025 due to the added costs of high inflation.

Once approved, construction can start on the entrance to allow bus services to begin.

The council said: "When in use, Eynsham park and ride will offer frequent bus services with direct connections to Oxford and the surrounding areas. It will also provide improved facilities for cyclists, walking and community transport."

It added: "The current target for the park and ride to be operational is 2027 and more detailed dates will be available once planning consent is secured."