Oxford's park-and-ride system has been highly commended in a national parking industry award.

The city came second in the 2004 British Parking Awards for its five park-and-ride sites after being pipped to the top spot by Norwich.

It was praised by judges from Parking Review magazine for providing "extensive car parking facilities" which are easily accessible from all areas of the city.

The city's park-and-ride network -- which celebrated its 30th birthday last year and is the oldest in the country -- was commended for helping the city's integrated public transport system.

Judges also praised the quality of the £300,000 passenger terminal at Water Eaton park-and-ride, near Kidlington, which began operating in November 2002.

The site also won a national safety award for its secure design.

Oxfordshire County Council, which is responsible for the sites, said working in partnership with Oxford City Council and Oxford Bus Company, which runs the majority of park-and-ride services, had helped the scheme's success.

David McKibbin, the county's head of transport, said: "This commendation is a great testament to the hard work of the county council's transport team over a very long period."