PARKING charges at two Park-and-Ride facilities in Oxford could rise by a third under plans unveiled by County Hall.

Oxfordshire County Council wants to introduce short-stay charges of £2 and increase long-stay charges by 33.3 per cent to raise cash.

Drivers can currently use the Thornhill and Water Eaton Park-and-Ride facilities for free if they are parking for up to 11 hours.

Under the council proposals, they would have to pay £2 to park for up to 11 hours.

The authority also wants to increase long-stay charges, from £3 to £4 for 24 hours, £6 to £8 for 48 hours and from £9 to £12 for 72 hours.

It comes as the council prepares to open 500 new spaces and improved facilities at Thornhill.

The announcement has sparked a mixed reaction among traders, residents and bus users.

Tim Gresswell, owner of Tim’s Newsagent in the High Street, said: “I can’t see it will make that much of a difference. Two pounds isn’t really a great deal to pay when you go out shopping.

“People pay that for a cup of coffee, so I don’t think it will put people off. I just think people might think twice about where they go shopping.”

Merewood Avenue resident David Ward, 74, said it was “inevitable” that more drivers would park in the streets around Thornhill to avoid the new short-stay charges.

He said: “It’s going to happen. I don’t know how many, but it’s inevitable.”

The council has confirmed the charges will be waived for blue badge holders, cyclists, motorcyclists and anyone using the new electric car charging points at Thornhill. It said it would also consider a reduced charge for key staff working at hospitals in the city. A consultation on the proposed changes will run until July 31 and can be found online at oxfordshire.gov.uk

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Thornhill and Water Eaton

  • Run by: Oxfordshire County Council
  • Current charges: Up to 11 hours free, £3 for up to 24 hours, £6 for up to 48 hours, £9 for up to 72 hours. (Since April 2013)
  • Proposed charges: Up to one hour free, £2 for up to 11 hours, £4 for up to 24 hours, £8 for up to 48 hours, £12 for up to 72 hours.

Pear Tree, Redbridge and Seacourt

  • Run by Oxford City Council
  • Current charges: £2 for up to 24 hours, £10 for seven days. (Since April 2013, previously £1.50 per day)