Motorists enjoyed a rare treat yesterday (March 14) when Oxford City Council was forced to allow thousands to park for free at Westgate car park after experiencing "technical difficulties" with its computerised pay machines.

At one stage queues for the pay points were said to be 70 deep while attendants were taking money manually, and the decision was finally taken to concede defeat and let people park for free.

The council immediately drafted in computer experts to fix the problem and last night said the machines should be up and running as normal today.

The error cost the council an estimated £,5000. A council spokesman said: "After a computer breakdown, we decided to let customers park for free in the Westgate car park after large queues were created when we first tried to collect the money manually."

Councillors have approved a series of higher charges and fines, which will comes into effect later this year.

Fines issued in city council-run car parks and park-and-ride sites will jump from the current £80 charge (or £40 if paid within 14 days) to £100 (or £50 if paid within 14 days).

Charges were increased by 15 per cent only seven months ago, but will rise by another five per cent, meaning a one-hour stay in the Westgate, Worcester Street, Oxpens, Abbey Place and Gloucester Green underground car parks will rise to £1.90, a two-hour stay goes up to £3.15 and three-hour stay will cost £6.30.