Politics & Council · Oxford
Oxford Park and Ride to introduce new long-stay parking for airport travellers
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Commuters and travellers using the Thornhill site in Oxford may soon face new charges for extended parking as the county council looks to support airport bus services.
Drivers who use the Thornhill Park and Ride to access international airports could soon face new, extended parking charges as Oxfordshire County Council prepares to vote on updated tariffs.
A proposal to introduce eight-day and 15-day parking options at the site, which serves as a primary hub for the Airline coach service to Heathrow and Gatwick, is scheduled for approval on Thursday, October 8. If passed, the new pricing structure will see long-stay tickets introduced at £15 and £30 respectively.
The move comes following a public consultation held over the summer, which reportedly received 91 per cent support from the 31 responses received. Transport officials and the Oxford Bus Company, which operates the direct airport coach links, have backed the changes, suggesting that providing longer-stay options will encourage more travellers to choose public transport over private vehicle trips to the airport.
Many respondents to the consultation indicated that the current lack of long-stay facilities forces travellers to rely on expensive taxis or drive directly to the airport, arguing that the new system is long overdue. Supporters believe the change will make the existing bus connection from the park and ride more practical for those living outside of central Oxford.
However, the proposal has not been without its critics. An objection raised during the consultation process warned that designating spaces for airport travellers contradicts the primary purpose of park and ride facilities, which is to reduce city congestion and encourage sustainable commuting. The objector expressed concern that the scheme prioritises long-haul travellers over those who rely on the site for daily travel to work, potentially reducing available capacity for local commuters.
Addressing these concerns, local authority reports stated that even during the busiest periods of the year, such as university open days, the Thornhill site continues to maintain significant spare parking capacity. Transport cabinet members are expected to finalise the decision at the upcoming meeting.
Source: Swindon Advertiser · View original