ANGRY campaigners have hit back at plans to increase car parking prices in Headington in what they say is ‘a tax on Waitrose shoppers’.

Hundreds of people have signed a petition against Oxford City Council proposals to hike minimum charges in two Headington car parks, including one that backs onto Waitrose.

Objectors say the ‘outrageous’ 47 per cent increase is 'deliberately targeting Waitrose shoppers’ and threatens footfall for local traders and Headington Market.

Headington and Quarry Lib Dem county councillor Roz Smith said: “I want to see Headington centre thriving, not priced out. The scale of the increase for up to two hours is outrageous.”

The proposals put forward would mean shoppers would pay £2.50 instead of the current £1.70 for up to two hours in Headington Car Park and St Leonard’s Road Car Park.

It comes as part of the budget proposals for 2018/19 looking at all city car parks.

Ms Smith added: “It is unfair to single out Headington.

“People do drive from other areas to come and shop at Waitrose which is great, and if they can stay longer they visit other shops also.

“We are not a cash cow, proposing such a large increase is not right.”

Headington Liberal Democrats were at the market on Saturday petitioning against the proposals and said hundreds of people signed and supported their efforts.

The group estimated they had more than 500 signatures so far and hoped to pull in 1,000 before the consultation ends on January 28.

Headington resident Brigit Foster said they already have problems with shoppers parking in neighbouring streets and the price rise would only worsen the issue.

Traders also fear the worse, with Monaco shop owner Elaine Bellinger saying the plans were ‘ludicrous’.

She said: “It is unacceptable to put it up by 47 per cent, it would be detrimental to businesses in the area.

“We are already up against online shopping, why would somebody pay £2.50 for the car park when they could sit at home on their computer.

“We need people to support their local traders, it’s a use it or lose it situation.”

Ms Bellinger added: “The crux of it is if Waitrose was not next door and it was an Aldi, Lidl or whatever it wouldn’t be happening.

“They are targeting and fleecing Waitrose shoppers.”

Oxford City Council board member for planning and regulatory services Alex Hollingsworth said: “The Council is proposing a package of changes to car park charges across Oxford that retain the balance between city centre, district centre and park and ride car parks and encourage public transport alternatives to the private car. They form part of the Council’s overall consultation budget.”