OXFORD’S drivers have given a resounding thumbs down to new city centre parking charges.

Oxfordshire County Council has reintroduced pay and display fees in the evenings and on Sundays to raise around £600,000 and “protect vital services”.

But critics say the charges will put off visitors and hit city theatres and restaurants.

For the last six years, drivers have been able to park in St Giles, Broad Street, Beaumont Street and other roads for free. Now it costs up to £2.50.

The Oxford Mail visited St Giles on Tuesday evening, when the new charges kicked in, to gauge the reaction.

Ruth Merrett, 27, of Almond Avenue in Kidlington, was charged £3 to park in St Giles because the machine did not give change.

She said: “I am really, really annoyed.

“I do not mind paying in the day but I think charging in the evening will discourage me from coming into the city.

“I think it will affect businesses.”

Kathy Whysarr, 46, of Marston, said: “I think it is absolutely disgusting.

“I know they want to make money but this does not entice people into the city centre, and that is what they should be doing.”

She added: “If you did not tell me I probably would not have seen it and I would have been fined.

“I am going to have to move my car and walk in.”

Ben Peterson, 23, of Frilford Heath, said: “It does dissuade me from coming into the city.”

Graham Jones, of city traders’ group Rox (Rescue Oxford), said: “We know the council has cash problems, but it will have a knock-on effect, potentially, on theatres, cinemas and restaurants.

“We have got a good range of reasons for people to come into Oxford, but at the moment we are going through tough times and we need to be encouraging people, not putting barriers and deterrents in their way. Bringing charges back in is a deterrent.”

County council cabinet member for transport Rodney Rose said the council, facing £119m in budget cuts, had little choice.

He added: “I sincerely hope it will not have a knock-on effect to businesses, but if you go out into restaurants in Oxford you are probably going to be spending £30 or £40 a head.

“Is £2 really going to change people’s way of life?”