Sir – Now not having been to Oxford shopping for three to four years it was a stark reminder as to why I haven’t been – the horrendous parking charges.
It’s cheaper and a better shopping experience in Reading, Swindon, even Southampton, People may say it costs to travel, Yes it does but the shopping experience is far greater than Oxford.
Now Oxford City Council will argue “wait till the completion of the revamped Westgate centre”. Yes I am sure it will be a magnificent shopping centre that will attract the shopper, but will the Oxford City Council reduce the parking charges to attract the shopper from far afield, which is what will be required for the shops in the new Westgate centre to survive.
Yes there are park-and-rides which are a cheaper option, But there are a lot of shoppers who would rather park as near to the shopping centre as possible.
On a footnote, out of the three shopping areas I have mentioned, I think the West Quay shopping centre in Southampton is worth a visit – its car parking and shopping centre design makes it an attractive alternative to shopping nearby. A good day out.
B. Gibbs
Steventon
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here