Meters and signs are now in place in Woodstock town centre but some residents remain furious that the majority voted against them.
The measures, which went live on June 1st means the introduction of paid bays and parking permit areas in the town centre for the first time ever and the end to free parking as we know it in West Oxfordshire. In a public consultation over 50 per cent objected to the paid parking bays and the feedback on permit-holder parking was variable depending on whether respondents were based in Woodstock or outside.
Local resident Stan Scott called a town poll in May last year on whether parking in the town should be kept free. Of those who took part 404 voted against the charges and 54 were in favour. Despite previous claims previously from the Liberal Democrats that any plans to charge for parking in West Oxfordshire was "fake news" it seems they've gone back on their word.
County Councillor Liam Walker who started a petition to protect free parking in West Oxfordshire said, "This confirmed what we've been saying for some time now, that this anti-motorist coalition are determined to hammer motorists with more charges. We think this is completely the wrong approach and not something residents should support and we should all challenge the coalition more on this."
We are now calling on your support to help us in protecting FREE parking in West Oxfordshire. Please sign our petition below and show your support for ensuring FREE parking stays in the district. We cannot allow the coalition to bring in parking charges by the back door. Please add your name below.