PLANNED price increases at an Oxford car park have been changed.

Oxford City Council proposed higher charges at Headington car park to haul in an extra £118,000 from the site.

But businesses feared the move would drive shoppers away.

Under the new plan, increased charges to park for up to an hour (up 40p to £1) and for up to two hours (70p to £1.50) will be replaced with a single charge of £1.20 for up to two hours.

Council officers said the change would still generate the extra cash they need. It was agreed by the council’s executive board on Wednesday night.

Traders, who lobbied for the alteration, said people would not have to cut short shopping trips to avoid paying more.

The council’s executive member for city development Colin Cook said: “The proposal, with the best luck, may deliver the same (income) if not more than the original scheme.”

Prices are going up at several city car parks as the council seeks to cut its budget by £10m over four years.

If the revised charges are successful they could be rolled out to other council-run car parks.

The council will also explore a season a ticket scheme at the Headington site.