THE LONG dispute over the introduction of parking restrictions in Summertown could be finally drawing to a close.

Efforts to create parking controls to rid Summertown streets of commuter cars have divided residents. But Oxfordshire county councillors will try to draw a line under the affair, with north Summertown poised to become Oxford's latest controlled parking zone.

A proposal to create a permit system providing 1,400 on-street spaces for permit holders, is being recommended by officers.

County Hall's head of transport, Steve Howell, said: "This, with other parking zones in North Oxford, would prevent commuters from parking in local streets and then continuing their journey into the centre of Oxford or the major employers in Summertown."

He said the new zone would help reduce congestion.

The new zone is expected to come into force from November 2007 and cost about £150,000.

A formal consultation process took place earlier this year on a proposal for the new arrangement in north Summertown.

Hundreds of residents took part, with 52 per cent opposed to the zone, some through being unhappy at the prospect of being charged for parking permits. The new north zone would stretch from Wren Road in the east to Blenheim Drive.

Councillor for Summertown, Jean Fooks, said she would be pressing for Islip, Harpes and Water Eaton roads to be excluded from the zone, in response to local opposition.