PLANS to reintroduce on-street parking charges during evenings and on Sundays in Oxford have been criticised by businesses and restaurants.

Oxfordshire County Council is seeking to make £106m worth of budget cuts over the next five years, following a predicted reduction in Government funding.

The council is looking to save £3.4m in transport costs in 2010-11. Over the full five years the council is looking to make cuts over, that figure is estimated to finish at £3.9m.

As a result, there could be a reduction in non-essential repairs and maintenance, such as dealing with potholes, carriageways maintenance and an effect on winter gritting.

The council has also proposed an increase in the cost of residents’ parking permits, from £40 a year to £50, expanding zones where parking charges would apply and bringing on-street parking charges in line with Oxford City Council car park fees.

Another controversial proposal would see the reintroduction of evening and Sunday charges in on-street spaces in the city, which could raise £600,000 a year.

At present, drivers can park free of charge in certain streets from 6.30pm to 8am, from Monday to Saturday, while there are no charges on Sunday.

The council introduced free parking in on-street spaces for evenings and Sundays in December 2005. It has not released details of where the charges could be reintroduced.

Paul Petrillo, owner of the Branca restaurant, in Walton Street, Jericho, said: “At the moment, people can park near our restaurant for free after 6.30pm, and that helps people who want to drive into Oxford. I’m not sure that many people go out for supper on the bus, and not everyone cycles in Oxford.

“I can’t imagine that any businesses or restaurants will be in favour of adding charges for motorists wanting to visit the city. This certainly will not help us.”

Jitka Zmatlikoba, manager of Bella Italia, in George Street, added: “Our customers like the free parking in the evening and on Sunday.

“I would be very disappointed if the council got rid of it and I know lots of other restaurants and businesses would feel the same way.”

Graham Jones, a spokesman for traders’ group Rescue Oxford (Rox), said: “Shops that open late on Thursdays and restaurants and theatres all benefit from free on-street parking after 6.30pm and they will be opposed to this.

“People don’t hang around for long for a meal in the day, because off-street parking charges are so high. Free parking in the evening is crucial.”

The council has broken down the potential transport savings in a report to its strategy and partnerships scrutiny committee.

All of the proposals will be discussed over the next two months before the budget is set in February.

A council spokesman said no final decisions had been taken about on-street parking charges, and it would remain free to park at park-and-ride sites. He added the council would not try to close the gap between on-street and off-street parking costs all in one go.