Free on-street parking will be introduced in Oxford in the evening and at the weekend in time for the Christmas shows.

Oxfordshire County Council will start a six-month pilot scheme on December 1, allowing motorists free parking in about 550 pay-and-display spaces in 20 Oxford streets from 6.30pm every evening and Sunday.

The council is putting up signs in affected streets informing motorists not to pay during the designated hours when the scheme -- pledged by the ruling Conservative party in the run-up to county elections in May -- comes into force.

Sue Mir-Shekari, duty manager of Browns restaurant, in Woodstock Road, which is close to several streets where parking fees will be waived, said it was fantastic news. She added: "We have customers complaining all the time because they have to leave their tables and go out every two hours and renew their tickets in St Giles."

On-street evening and Sunday parking fees range from £1 for any length of stay to £3 for two hours.

David Robertson, council executive member for transport, said it would make Oxford a "thriving, interesting place".

But Craig Simmons, city councillor and Green party leader, said it would increase congestion, pollution and he was worried about safety.

It is estimated the county council would lose about £700,000 a year in parking charges and fines if the scheme was introduced full-time.

Despite the loss there has been a positive reaction among many. Spokesmen for the Oxford Playhouse and New Theatre said they were delighted with the decision. Shopper Irene Carr, 45, of Valence Crescent, Witney, said: "Free parking is a bonus, particularly because it costs so much to park in Oxford."

In contrast to the county council's parking plans, Oxford City Council increased charges by 15 per cent in July to bring in about £536,000 a year.

The county council is also waiving 60p charges at Water Eaton and Thornhill park-and-ride sites, while the city council has kept the same charges at Seacourt, Redbridge and Peartree.