Drivers have been left furious following news that some Britons will have to pay for a £70 permit allowing them to park outside their own homes thanks to an incoming parking scheme.
Motorist groups are up in arms following the decision by Oxfordshire County Council to impose an all-new controlled parking zone (CPZ) in parts of Didcot.
Five residential streets will be included in the policy as officials bid to prevent shoppers and commuters from parking locally before using train services or shopping at the town mall. While the zone is intended to help take the pressure off local car owners, it has angered some motorists, who have branded it a “tax”.
Some have said they fear the problem will be moved elsewhere, while one motoring group has warned it is part of a “war on motorists”. In January, the Oxfordshire council announced that “imminent” works would see signage installed at Cronshaw Close, Haydon Road, Lydalls Road, Station Road and White Leys Close to identify the CPZ’s jurisdiction.
People living on those roads will have to pay £70 per year for a permit allowing them to park within the zone, including outside their own homes. The policy will “prioritise residents’ parking needs”, keeping shoppers and travellers off their doorsteps.
But it has caused anger within motoring pressure group the Alliance for British Drivers Campaign. The group wrote: “Another policy designed to boost the coffers at the expense of residents. #WarOnMotorists.”
However, Oxfordshire County Council has said this is not the case, as any money raised from the scheme “goes directly towards enforcement”.
A spokesman added: “Controlled parking zones are intended to prioritise residents’ parking needs.
“They discourage commuters and other overspill parking from taking up spaces on residential streets.”
Local residents believe the zone won’t solve the problem of drivers swamping residential streets.
Sarah Spencer-Buckel told the Oxford Mail: “This will only see the issue move to surrounding roads and the Ladygrove Estate.”
And posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, Mike Foster agreed, saying: “You know this will only pass the problem on, and we will see even more parking on Ladygrove and walking/biking to the station.”
Most residents have been happy to welcome the CPZ, however, with one stating they believed “most, if not all” would favour the zone after struggling to park outside their homes “for years” because of traffic caused by shoppers.
Another local even called for the policy to be extended to other neighbourhoods suffering from increased traffic.
Adam Lydiate said: “Desperately need it on Hagbourne Road as it’s an extended car park for Orchard Centre and Busby House, the congestion is beyond a joke.”
Oxfordshire County Council has been approached for comment.
