22 June 2005

The Greens have labelled as 'crazy' plans by the Conservative-run Oxfordshire County Council to introduce free evening and weekend parking in Oxford City.

At a meeting of the County Council yesterday, the Tories admitted that the details of the scheme were not yet worked out and the amount of lost revenue was uncertain. They also appeared to be backing down under pressure from the opposition parties and said that the scheme would only be introduced on a trial basis.

Says Cllr Craig Simmons: "This is a crazy scheme that makes no sense for car users and non-car users alike. Parking charges are a relatively small part of the cost of an evening out and unlikely to deter anyone from visiting. Far more of a deterrent is to having to circle round and round the centre trying to find a space because of the increased traffic generated by a free parking scheme. Such a scheme will also bring with it congestion, pollution and safety concerns. The best way to visit the City is by bus, train or park & ride. The advantage of the former is that you can also have a drink!".

FMI: 0773 980 3047 Cllr Craig Simmons