Increases in charges for car parks across Oxford could be approved by councillors today, writes Roseena Parveen.

But churchgoers could be given a special concession to reduce their parking fees when they visit the city to worship on Sundays.

The city council's highways and traffic committee was meeting today to consider the changes.

Last time increases were proposed, the council faced a backlash from local churches over Sunday parking charges.

Now the plans include offering special permits to churchgoers every Sunday.

They would be allowed to park until until 2pm for the cost of one hour.

Increased Sunday charges in the city centre alone would boost the council's income by 180,000.

Other car parks under consideration are at Summertown and Ferry pools, where longer stay charges could be raised substantially in a bid to deter people from using the area as a park and ride for the city centre.

A Sunday and evening charge is also proposed, with a non-return period of three hours.

Motorists could also face higher parking prices for both short and long stays at St Clement's, Union Street, Headington and St Leonard's Road car parks.

Three new offences could be introduced, with further penalty charges to boost council coffers and help cover increased cost of enforcing fines.

Officers said in a report that the new charges aimed to be in line with Oxford Transport Strategy goals to deter people from using their cars.

Although the highways committee was expected to vote on the matter today, the new East Oxford Parliament would have the final say on charges at the St Clement's and Union Street car parks.