CUSTOMERS have branded a new pay and display meter in a pub car park “ridiculous.”

Bill Porter, manager of the White Horse in Headington, said it has been set up to deter commuters and people from Oxford Brookes University using it as a place to leave their cars.

But some customers disagree with the decision to charge.

David Charlett, 35, of Dene Road, said: “I never heard anything about it until I saw the sign. It’s ridiculous and wrong.”

The pub now charges people £2 for two hours, £4 for four hours and £8 for 24 hours on weekdays.

If customers spend £5 or more in the pub, they are refunded £2 for their parking ticket. The meter began operating on August 22.

Colin Taylor, 57, of Valencia Road, said: “You have to pay £5 in the pub to get your parking money back and that’s not right. I can see why they want to do it as students park here all the time.”

Mr Porter, 31, who has been manager at the pub for just under a year, defended the move.

There are 62 spaces in the car park, which Mr Porter said filled up quickly during term time.

He said: “As soon as Brookes opens again it is hard for our customers to find a parking space.

When Brookes is open, all the spaces in the car park have gone by 8 in the morning.”

Parking is a major issue in Headington with hospitals and university campuses.

Andrea Ansell from Oxford Brookes University said it asks people not to use cars.

She said: “Oxford Brookes strongly encourages staff, students and visitors to use forms of transport other than the car.”

The pub is a Hungry Horse house owned by Greene King.

A spokesperson said local people know that parking is tricky.

He said: “To ensure customers are able to park, we have introduced pay and display. Customers using the car park will get a full refund on parking costs.”

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