New parking plan delayed after 82% vote against

A proposal to introduce new parking restrictions in a town has been deferred after 82% of residents objected.

The Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) would have been enforced in Lower Wolvercote, Oxford, making it permit holders only on Monday to Sunday 08:00 to 20:00.

Plans were put forward to "prevent those coming to Oxford North from parking in nearby residential areas", and to control the number of vehicles going to Oxford North, according to the council's report.

Residents argued there was no proof of any overflow yet, and the scheme would be an unnecessary expense.

Oxfordshire county councillor and cabinet member for transport management Andrew Gant agreed to defer the decision on Thursday.

The proposal also included the creation of three-hour shared use parking bays in Lower Wolvercote, a time-limited three-hour parking bay for non-permit holders on Godstow Road, and double-yellow lines.

A formal consultation into the proposal took place between November and December 2024.

Residents raised concerns about how local businesses would be affected, how residents who rely on visiting family could become isolated, and safety concerns about the placement of double yellow lines and parking bays.

A small number supported the scheme for preventing non-resident parking, managing parking overflow from neighbouring areas and improving safety.

Mr Gant said CPZs were part of the county council's transport policy, and they "make life better for residents".

He added: "When they're introduced, there is often resistance and opposition, but once they're in, I've not had a single email from anyone who lives within a CPZ asking for them to be taken out."

But he concluded it was "sensible" to defer until the impact of the Oxford North development, as well as the introduction of car parking charges at Godstow car park, was known.

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