THE loss of spaces at Oxpens decked car park could lead to increased traffic congestion around the Westgate Centre at peak times, according to a retail expert.

Yesterday 106 spaces were shut at the car park in Oxpens Road, as the decking section has now been closed off.

From Monday, a further 135 spaces on matting will be removed, leaving a total of 179 spaces available at the car park where there were 420 spaces.

The changes result from the expiry of the temporary planning permission for the decking and an extension, granted during the construction of the Westgate Centre, which opened in October 2017.

Retail expert Keith Slater said: “I have used the Oxpens car park on several occasions - it’s very convenient.

“Inevitably this decision will push up the demand for spaces from Westgate shoppers.

“This could lead to more congestion at peak shopping times in Oxpens Road and there will be more competition for spaces at other car parks.

“Unless the councils decide to bring in something like a congestion charge as a deterrent then people will continue to drive into the city centre.

“It’s a good idea to use park-and ride if you can but not everyone will choose to use it.”

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The original surface level car park will continue to operate for the next few months, before being permanently closed as part of the multi-million pound Oxpens redevelopment scheme.

The decking will be removed and is expected to be relocated to Redbridge park-and-ride later this year in a scheme costing an estimated £1.7m.

Alex Hollingsworth, board member for planning and transport, said: “The Oxpens decking and extension was a temporary facility and the planning permission has now expired, and we will be closing it altogether as part of the redevelopment of the Oxpens area.

“The council is looking to reduce the overall number of car parking spaces, and associated levels of traffic, in Oxford city centre.

“We encourage visitors to use public transport, or the park and ride system, when coming to the centre of the city.”

The removal of parking spaces was welcomed by Oxford Bus Company managing director Phil Southall.

He said: “This is great news and I would like to commend Oxford City Council for this decision, just what we requested to help alleviate congestion issues in Oxford, which are not getting any better.

“I’d appeal to those who currently park at Oxpens to embrace our park-and-ride service.”

Charges at some council car parks are set to increase by as much as 25 per cent from April.

Some charges at Gloucester Green, which has 105 spaces, and 200-space Worcester Street car park, are set for large increases.