Oxford park-and-ride fees planned

The only two free park-and-ride sites for short stay parking in Oxford are set to introduce charges.

Oxfordshire County Council plans to charge motorists £2 to park for between one hour and 11 hours at Water Eaton and Thornhill park-and-ride sites.

Fees for parking between 11 and 72 hours could rise by a third.

The council has said it can no longer afford to offer free short stay parking and has launched a public consultation on the proposed changes.

Oxfordshire county councillor David Nimmo Smith said: "Other councils, including the city council, have brought in parking charges for their park-and-ride sites and the time has now come where we feel we can no longer sustain the free provision."

Fees waived

Charges for long stay parking at Thornhill and Water Eaton park-and-rides were introduced in December.

Under plans fees for parking at the sites would rise from £3 to £4 for stays of between 11 and 24 hours, from £6 to £8 for between 24 and 48 hours and from £9 to £12 for motorists parking for between 48 and 72 hours.

Parking fees will continue to be waived for disabled drivers who display a valid blue badge, bikes and motorbikes parked in designated areas.

The plans also allow discounts for season tickets and for key staff working at hospitals in the north of Oxford.

The consultation is due to end on 31 July.

Fees to park at the city's three other park-and-ride sites - Peartree, Seacourt and Redbridge - are £2 a day or £7 for 10 days, although there are no charges for parking between 18:30 BST and 05:00 BST the following morning.