A PARKING ticket system, which saves drivers cash, is set to be overlooked, as it would cost the council too much.

The “pay on exit” scheme allows motorists to only pay for the time they actually use.

But Cherwell District Council looks set to ignore the idea as it would cost it least £249,000 to introduce it at car parks in Bicester and Banbury.

The decision comes after the Conservative-controlled authority increased pay and display charges in April and ended free evening, Sunday, Bank Holiday and disabled parking.

Chris Rothwell, head of safer communities, urban and rural services, said “anecdotally” the public prefered pay-on-exit schemes but these were often 20 per cent more expensive to operate.

He said: “On the initial assessment “pay on exit” is not considered appropriate due to the cost of change, the potential drop in revenue and the unlikelihood of reducing staffing costs.”

He said adapting Market Place in Bicester alone would cost £20,000 and a worker would have to be on hand at all times in case a barrier malfunctioned.

Dr Marie Mullier, who was fined £50 for overstaying in April because she said she did not see the new charges, said: “I think pay-on -exit would be simpler.”

Dr Mullier, of The Coltsfoot Leys, Bicester, said: “I wonder how much money they have lost by increasing their charges.”

Ben Jackson, of Bicester and District Chamber of Commerce, said: “We have advised the council in consultation with the businesses that the situation needs to be reviewed.”

Labour group leader Les Sibley said the new charges are “morally wrong because the council already makes a huge amount of money from car parks”.

He said the pay-on-exit scheme would not cost the council too much and it should be tested out in Bicester.

He said: “It is peanuts when you compare what they are actually bringing in.”

The council’s overview and scrutiny committee will be asked to agree that the current pay-and-display system stays in place when it meets on Tuesday.