THE introduction of parking charges at the Thornhill and Water Eaton park-and-ride depots has been delayed for the second time.

The long-stay charges for those staying for more than 11 hours were due to come into effect last Monday.

But problems with payment machines at the two sites prevented the new charging scheme from going ahead, and the county council had hoped it would start on Monday.

Now the council has admitted a further delay until Monday, December 10.

The authority blamed ongoing flooding issues for the delays, and said more recent problems had arisen from issues with users paying over the internet, which are still being resolved.

Oxfordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for transport Rodney Rose said: “We do not want to start the charging until all payment methods are available.

“Those who would have been subject to the long-stay charge will have another period of free parking, which I’m sure they will be pleased to know.”

Under the new charges, anyone parking for more than 11 hours will pay £3 up to 24 hours, and £3 for each subsequent 24-hour period, up to a maximum of 72 hours.