There will be another delay in the ongoing saga of the introduction of residents parking zones in Headington, Oxford.

The zones were meant to come into force in central Headington on April 4, following a series of setbacks.

They were originally supposed to be introduced last September, but were delayed when the county council official responsible for them left his job.

As reported in January, Headington traders welcomed the delays, because they fear the zones will kill off trade, but were welcomed by some residents and councillors, who want to stop commuters clogging up their streets.

If the zone comes into effect on April 11, there will be a two week amnesty, when illegally parked cars will be issued with warning tickets only. From April 25, illegally parked cars will face fines.

David Rundle, Oxford City Council member for Headington said: "It would be out of character if introducing residents parking to central Headington hadn't had one more delay.

"Officers at the county have worked very hard, but the scheme has been plagued with difficulties.

"I know from residents that there are still teething troubles to be sorted out.

"But I also know that many people who live on or near the busy roads here will be, like me, very relieved when the whole saga is over."

Richard Kingshott, the county council's principal engineer for controlled parking zones, said: "We are checking over information relating to the notice on the traffic regulation order."