BUSINESSES fear plans to restrict parking by shops on the main road into Kidlington will hit trade.

Oxfordshire County Council is proposing restrictions to tackle commuter parking in an Oxford Road service road.

But shops say restricting parking by Thames Valley Police HQ will only push drivers to the other side of the road.

They say they are already having a problem with commuters because of new parking charges at a nearby park and ride.

Drivers have to pay £2 to park for up to 11 hours at Water Eaton, along with Thornhill, Headington, since November 11.

The parking plans, shown right, include a two-hour limit by the police HQ and an hour limit for the rest of the service road.

Tina Cotterell of Alison’s Animals in The Parade, has started a protest petition but believes permits could be the answer.

She said: “All the cars that park over there are going to park on this side of the road.

“Many people that use this like a park and ride. They park and get the bus into Oxford.

“There is not going to be anywhere for customers to park. All my parking spaces will be taken. My biggest worry is losing customers.”

Richard Miles, of Benchmark Kitchens, said: “Without permits it would be a nightmare. It would do more harm than good.”

Carl Boswell, of S & R Childs Funeral Services, said: “People are parking vehicles here and getting the bus into Oxford.”

“Our time with [clients] is paramount. We can’t say half way through: ‘can you leave and move your vehicle?”

And Sally Mackie, manager at Gosford Hill Medical Centre, added: “We appreciate they want to stop parking in the service road but we have a limited number of spots.”

But other residents welcomed a crackdown as the service road is “chock-a-block”.

Ruby Harrop said: “It is a brilliant idea. You can’t get out your drive some days.”

The public is asked to comment by Friday with reference MDH/DGT/TRO to Huw Jones, Oxfordshire County Council, Speedwell House, Speedwell Street, Oxford, OX1 1NE.