THE Oxford Mail’s campaign to win a rebate for city parking permit holders has been roundly welcomed.

We are asking readers to write to Oxfordshire County Council to demand £10 back after a report showd it posted a profit on the scheme last year.

This was despite the Conservative-controlled council previously saying the scheme was only meant to break even.

Labour Oxford East MP Andrew Smith said: “The Oxford Mail has the county council banged to rights on this. It is especially galling that the county put up the charge by 20 per cent in January when they saw motorists are already being hit by big hikes in petrol and insurance costs.

“To add insult to injury, where residents want a parking scheme put in, the county says it does not have the money. It seems all they are interested in is raking in the profits.”

Lib Dem county leader Zoe Patrick said: “It is an excellent campaign and I hope it is successful.”

Summertown and Wolvercote Lib Dem county member John Goddard said: “In the famous words: ‘we want our money back!’”

Fellow Lib Dem ward councillor Jean Fooks said: “It is good to get the public’s opinion. They must listen to what people say.”

Labour group leader and Barton and Churchill councillor Liz Brighouse said: “Residents have a right to be angry.”

Association of British Drivers spokesman Brian Mooney said: “I used to work in Oxfordshire and drivers get quite a raw deal.”

The council denies it made a profit, claiming enforcement costs for yellow lines – which it separates out in its own report – should be counted as well.