Parking is so tight in Oxford that drivers are now being told to park on pavements in two narrow streets.

Oxfordshire County Council has painted parking spaces on pavements in Ferry Road and William Street in Marston, where a new controlled parking zone is being introduced.

Cars can park half on the pavement and half off it, leaving a space of 1.2m for pedestrians to get past.

It is thought to be the first time in the city that this has occurred, and the decision has angered Friends of the Earth spokesman Andrew Wood, who said pavements should be reserved for pedestrians.

He said: "This is an outrageous decision and I want to see these parking spaces removed as soon as possible.

"It is totally inconsiderate, and is treating pedestrians as second-class citizens.

"Pedestrians should not have to compete with vehicles to use the pavement, and this could set a precedent for other parts of Oxford.

"People pay their council tax to maintain the pavements and the pavements should not be handed over to drivers in this way.

"There are also safety implications for pedestrians who may not be aware that cars are about to mount the kerb."

Mohammed Altaf-Khan, Liberal Democrat county councillor for Headington and Marston, said residents had requested the unusual parking arrangement because the streets were so narrow.

He added: "This is not something I would like to see encouraged, but if there is no alternative then this has to be done as a last resort. There was lengthy consultation."

County cabinet member for transport David Robertson, who gave the parking arrangement the go-ahead, said: "This is the first time it has taken place, as far as I am aware, but it reflects the situation in Oxford where there is a great deal of commuter parking.

"We have recognised the reality of life for residents and have given them a parking zone that will protect them from commuter parking.

"This is something that has been discussed at great length with residents and we are giving them what they want, although it is not something we would normally do. In this instance it was the best solution.

"There is a 1.2m space on the pavement left for pedestrians, and the situation for them should be improved because in the past vehicles would park right up against the wall.

"Commuters park in these streets and then walk through to the university science area but once this new zone comes into force that will no longer be possible."