Free parking is set to be slashed to just one hour in April for council car parks.
From April 4, towns across the Vale of White Horse will now have one hour free parking instead of two in district council car parks.
Except for Southampton Street car park in Faringdon, which will continue to offer two hours free parking a day.
Parking fees will also be going up by 40p and permits will only be valid for the specific car park they are issued for and will not be transferable.
Read also: Abingdon shoppers fear parking price hike will deter visitors
The district council has said the change comes as taxpayers in the Vale have been subsidising district council car parks for many years, with the service typically running at a loss of over £250,000 a year. The shortfall has now risen to almost £450,000 following the Covid-19 pandemic. The council’s aim is for car park users to cover the costs of its car parks, rather than the general council tax-payer.
Councillor Andrew Crawford said: “You will still be able to park for free for an hour each day, which is the same offer motorists receive in South Oxfordshire, and our fees remain cheaper than many other areas, including Oxford and Swindon."
He added: “With continued uncertainty over the long-term future of council funding, it’s vital we take this action now so we can continue to protect and invest in our other public services.”
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