COMMUTERS will grizzle, but Oxfordshire County Council ’s likely decision to start charging at its two Oxford park-and-rides is reasonable.

No-one ever likes paying for something that was free, but the pressure on the public sector purse is fierce.

And, with charges only kicking in after 11 hours of free parking at Thornhill or Water Eaton, the new charging regime could hardly be deemed to be a vicious grab into the wallets of motorists.

It may turn out to be expensive for those working in London, but they have to question – once the shock of paying for something that was previously free – if realistically leaving your car for 11+ hours at a cost of £3 is excessive.

The interesting element, however, is the apparent U-turn by the council. It pointedly kept Thornhill and Water Eaton park-and-rides free when Oxford City Council took over the other three facilities and brought in its charges.

The city now charges £1.50 a day and so this move by the county also again raises the issue of consistency within a two-tier local government structure.

The park-and-rides may cater for different types of commuters, but there is still a disparity in the charging and that will lead to confusion and negativity amongst occasional visitors to Oxford.

The other issue the county will have to address, and indeed solve, is ensuring residents near Thornhill Park-and-Ride do not end up having their streets clogged up with fee-dodging motorists.

Last week we reported the similar problem faced by residents living near parks where charges have been brought in by the city.

The county cannot leave residents paying the price of its policy change.