Riders working for Deliveroo and other food delivery companies are gathering at the end of Cornmarket.

They can often be seen in quite large groups parked up on their mopeds at Carfax, while they are waiting for orders, or have just completed deliveries.

While the riders do not appear to be breaking any traffic regulations, Cornmarket still has lots of footfall, and some shoppers may have to walk around them.

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Ship Street at the other end of Cornmarket has also proved a popular location for Deliveroo riders.

Deliveroo, which allows customers to order food via an app, has grown rapidly in recent years, particularly during the pandemic.

The company, which employs 100,000 riders in 12 countries, has not yet commented.

Oxford Mail: Photo: Oxford Mail Photo: Oxford Mail (Image: Photo: Oxford Mail)

But Marc Evans, a spokesman for Oxfordshire County Council, said it was aware of the issue.

He added: "The council has been working with other agencies on the issue of mopeds being ridden and parking within the city centre.

"The enforcement of the entry into pedestrian zones and other access restrictions has traditionally been the responsibility of the police.

"However, in January this year our cabinet approved plans to apply for additional powers from government to allow for ANPR enforcement.

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"These powers to tackle moving traffic offences in Oxfordshire have now been approved by the Department for Transport and we are currently working on developing sites which were subject to public consultation for the introduction of new ANPR enforcement devices.

Oxford Mail: Photo: Andy FfrenchPhoto: Andy Ffrench (Image: Photo: Andy Ffrench)

"With regards to parking enforcement, we've had a number of conversations with our contractor to try to address the issue.

"They have advised that for parking on double yellow lines they are required to allow for a five-minute observation period to check whether loading and unloading is taking place. Where this has happened, the moped riders have moved away from the area only to return once the enforcement officer has gone."

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He added: "Regarding the zero emission zone (ZEZ), mopeds and motorcycles that are not emissions free and don't have an exemption or a 100% discount will incur a ZEZ charge when they are used in the zone during its operating hours. A penalty charge notice would be issued if that charge is not paid within the required timescale."

A Deliveroo spokesman said: “The safety of Deliveroo riders and all road users is a priority and we are in discussions with the Oxford City Council about designating parking areas in the city centre. We also regularly engage with riders and remind them that they must follow the rules of the road at all times."

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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF