RESIDENTS have hit out at plans to let council workers escape new parking charges at a popular Oxford open space.

Oxford City Council is consulting on plans to introduce parking charges at six city parks, with motorists facing charges of between 50p and £10.

But the council says people working at its depot in Marsh Road can apply for free permits to park at the Marsh Recreation Ground car park.

Saj Malik, who represents Cowley Marsh on the council, said he was “very unhappy” with the proposals.

Mr Malik said: “If the city council wants people to care about the environment and use public transport, they need to set an example – you cannot preach what you do not practise.

“If you don’t put a limit on the permits, that car park will be choc-a-bloc with council workers and there will be no space for the general public, which is totally unacceptable.”

The car parks affected by the planned parking charges are Alexandra Courts, Middle Way, two at Cutteslowe Park – in Elsfield Way and Harbord Road, Hinksey Park, in Abingdon Road, Walton Well Road, and Marsh Road.

Mr Malik said he would rather see about a third of the spaces at Marsh Park reserved for depot employees, with the rest left for other drivers.

He said: “If we said there were no spaces at all for workers, they would turn up early and fill the nearby streets around Temple Road and Marsh Road which would cause problems for local people.”

One woman from nearby Oxford Road, who did not wish to be named, said the park was well used every day of the week.

She said: “This car park has been monopolised by Cowley Marsh depot staff and local businesses which leaves little or no room for public use.”

Planned charges will be 50p for up to an hour, £1 for one to three hours, and £2 for up to 24 hours in Marsh Road and Cutteslowe Park, but £2 for three to five hours in the other parks and £10 for up to a day.

To comment on the plans, contact William Reed by email on wreed@oxford.gov.uk or call 01865 252230 by Tuesday, July 7.