Sir – I am afraid councillor John Tanner is being economical with the truth when he claims that: “car owners will have to pay £50 per year to park in their own streets” (Letters, March 15).

Householders do not own the stretch of road in front of their house with freedom to do with it as they wish. Roads are for the public in general — to walk, cycle and drive their cars and for suppliers to make deliveries and other road users to enjoy free access. In congested parts of towns and cities, managing this road space is a difficult and costly business.

It baffles me that people owning or renting properties in Oxford city should be so opposed to paying £50 per year towards schemes that will try to manage the available parking spaces fairly.

Keith R Mitchell, Leader, Oxfordshire County Council