Cherwell District Council scraps overnight parking charges plan

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 17:38 · Archive

Cherwell District Council has abandoned plans to introduce overnight parking charges in Banbury and Bicester council car parks.

Cherwell District Council has announced that it will not proceed with plans to introduce overnight parking charges in its council-owned car parks in Banbury and Bicester. The decision was revealed at a full council meeting on Monday, 19 October, following months of criticism and confusion over proposed changes to parking tariffs. The council had previously paused the plans after concerns were raised by residents, town centre businesses and other stakeholders.

Councillor Lesley McLean, leader of the council, said: 'We have listened to businesses and residents, and we are clear that introducing overnight parking charges is not the right decision for Banbury and Bicester. We recognise the pressures facing local businesses, particularly those operating in the evening economy, and we want to encourage people into our town centres, not put additional barriers in their way.'

Earlier this year, confusion over tariff changes was branded a 'comedy of errors' by critics. Councillor Rob Pattenden, portfolio holder for property and assets, said: 'Parking is just one part of the picture. We want thriving businesses, fewer empty shops, more visitors and town centres that people are proud of.' The proposal to formally abandon the charges will now go to a future meeting of the council's executive for approval.

How it is being reported

• Overnight parking charges set to be scrapped in two Oxfordshire townsCherwell District Council has confirmed plans to scrap proposed overnight parking charges in Banbury and Bicester after backlash from residents and businesses.Oxford Mail · 20 Oct, 16:43
• Overnight parking charges set to be scrapped in two Oxfordshire townsCherwell District Council has confirmed plans to scrap proposed overnight parking charges in Banbury and Bicester after backlash from residents and businesses.Oxfordshire Guardian · 20 Oct, 16:43

In this story: Cherwell District Council · Banbury · Bicester · Lesley McLean · Rob Pattenden

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