New Congestion Charge Sends Oxford Parking Costs Soaring
Motorists in Oxford are facing a significant increase in parking expenses, with costs now exceeding £10 for stays of less than an hour at a key city centre car park. This sharp rise is a direct consequence of a newly implemented congestion charge that affects several roads within the city.
The Financial Impact on Drivers
The new scheme introduces a £5 daily charge for drivers passing through one of six designated roads without a permit. When combined with standard parking fees, this means a driver could now pay £10.80 for a single hour of parking at the Worcester Street car park on a weekday if their route includes a congestion charging point.
Bernadette Evans, representing the Oxford Business Action Group, expressed deep concern for local enterprises. She stated that customers arriving by car will now be forced to reconsider whether a trip to Oxford remains viable. "This is a pivotal moment," Evans warned.
"With Worcester Street car park now behind a congestion charge point, it will force anyone without a permit to pay an extra £5 on top of the car parking costs," she explained. Evans drew a parallel with the underused St Giles car park, suggesting Worcester Street may suffer the same fate as it becomes unaffordable for many.
Council Defence and Alternative Options
In response to the criticism, Councillor Andrew Gant, the cabinet member for transport management, defended the policy. He indicated that the council anticipates a shift in behaviour, with more people opting to use the park and ride services. "In turn this will generate more revenue for the city council," Gant noted.
He argued that those driving into the city, whether by using a permit or paying the daily charge, are likely to continue using on-street parking, for which demand remains high.
A spokesperson for Oxford City Council further justified the parking operations, stating that any surplus generated is reinvested into the service. "We think our car park charges are reasonable, and we do need the income to provide the service," the spokesperson said, highlighting that the Park and Ride offers a more cost-effective alternative and that Oxford's visitor numbers remain strong.
However, this perspective offers little solace to business owners like those represented by Evans, who feel the council has chosen a difficult path during an ongoing cost of living crisis. "Instead they've made it harder for customers to reach us and put up the cost of parking," she concluded.
