Over half don't want paid parking bays in Woodstock, consultation shows

It summarises the results of a statutory consultation on proposals to change parking management in the town centre, including the introduction of pay and display bays with exemptions for permit holders, and new permit holder only parking areas.

The most common reasons for objecting were that parking charges would be bad for local businesses and the local economy.

A high number objected on the basis that parking should remain free in West Oxfordshire with some saying it would set the scene for parking charges to be introduced in other towns within the district.

The most popular reason for objecting was concerns of traffic displacement as users and local employees tried to avoid paying the parking charges.

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The report prepared by council officers said there was "the perception that all-day parking for some businesses, including hotels and holiday lets had not been catered for with the proposals".

Some 28 per cent of respondents supported this element of the proposals in the formal consultation which was carried out between March 17 and April 15.

The feedback on the proposed introduction of permit-holder parking was variable depending on whether respondents were based in Woodstock or outside.

The majority of respondents based in Woodstock were supportive of the proposals, with 45 per cent backing the idea.

Responses from the online survey and forms submitted at public exhibitions were not supportive, with 41 per cent objecting.

The most popular reason was that the scheme would potentially be over-subscribed which would undermine available parking for other users.

A high proportion of respondents said town centre residents purchased or let their properties with the knowledge that on-street parking was time-limited, and therefore concessions shouldn’t be made for residential parking.

Some business owners also raised that businesses, which include a number of hotels, shouldn’t be treated differently or disadvantaged by the proposals.

Liam Walker, a Conservative county councillor who has been leading a campaign to 'save' free parking in West Oxfordshire, said: “This report from the county council highlights exactly what we have been saying about parking charges in West Oxfordshire - people don’t want them!

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"This new rural tax being pushed by the Lib Dems is going to be damaging to local businesses in Woodstock and hit the pockets of those least able to afford it. There is nothing fair about these parking plans.”

On residents’ parking permits, Cllr Walker said: “This whole thing is being pushed by those living in the town centre who have been pushing this parking charge agenda for many years now.

"If you own or are renting a property with no parking available for your cars it should not be to the detriment of the rest of the town to find you a solution. It’s like moving next to a play park and complaining the kids are playing too loud.”

Andy Graham, who represents Woodstock on Oxfordshire County Council and is the newly elected leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said he would wait for the report to come into the public domain to respond.

He said "statistics in themselves do not tell the whole story". 

"It is complex but the answer is not found in a simple question," he said. "I am confident the cabinet as the lead authority will make a sound decision and will look at the suggestions made by many interested parties and make appropriate changes if required."

People can vote in a town poll taking place on Wednesday May 18 between 4pm and 9pm at the Woodstock Bowls and Tennis Club or Woodstock Town Hall.

The officers' report will be presented to Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member for highway management at a meeting scheduled for May 26 where the final decision will be made.