CHANGES to parking restrictions in Headington are being proposed to help provide more spaces.

Oxfordshire County Council plans to change the controlled parking zone and parking restrictions to alleviate traffic problems in the area.

It has put together a traffic order that will allow it to make the changes in Osler Road, Kennett Road, New High Street and All Saints Road.

Controlled parking zones – or CPZs – mean only residents can park in the street, but must buy £50 permits.

County council cabinet member for transport David Nimmo-Smith said the purpose of the traffic order was to make sure people who want to live and work in Headington “can actually park their cars”.

He added it was “a double-edged sword” because councillors encourage more business to come to the area but then have to provide enough space for everyone to park.

The aim of the parking order is to provide additional parking places for residents and to adjust the waiting and loading restrictions for large vehicles such as lorries in Osler Road and Kennett Road.

In Kennett Road, south of London Road, councillors plan to extend the 30 minute parking bay on the west side by one space.

There will also be a new cycle lane on the eastern side.

New High Street will see extensions to the one-hour parking zones on the west side, while parking on the east side will be limited to one hour, with spaces for five cars.

The proposals will also see an extension to the shared-use parking on the south side of the road.

Headington Action chairman Patrick Coulter said: “If there wasn’t a car parking scheme, it would be very difficult to park there at all.

“I think it is a good thing to review the arrangements and see what local people think of them.

“The problem is the parking scheme has been there for a while. It would be worth listening to people’s experiences.”

Mr Coulter urged residents to give their views on the scheme.

  • Full details of the plans and other documents can be seen at County Hall, New Road, from 9am to 4.30pm and Headington Library in Bury Knowle Park on Monday and Wednesday from 9.15am to 1pm; Tuesday and Thursday 9.15am to 7pm; Friday 9.15am to 6pm; or Saturday 9.15am to 4.40pm. Residents are invited to send in comments or objections to the proposals until Friday