Oxfordshire County Council ends councillor access to free County Hall parking

Plans have been agreed to restrict the front car park at County Hall in Oxford to disabled badge holders and staff who require vehicle access for operational reasons.

The decision comes as Oxfordshire County Council continues its wider work to tackle congestion, improve air quality and encourage more sustainable travel across the county.

Under the council’s congestion charge scheme, revenue raised is being used to support free bus travel from Oxford’s Park and Ride sites, helping residents travel into the city without adding to congestion on already busy roads.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, agreed the move at a cabinet meeting on Thursday, 18 June. He said the council must lead by example and ensure elected members are not exempt from the expectations placed on residents.

He said: “Oxfordshire County Council is about fairness. County councillors don't need privileged access to a free car park in OX1. We all need to play our part in making the county's roads safer and free from congestion so our fleet of electric buses can flow freely around this amazing city.

“I hope my colleagues will try out the new buses for free from any one of our park and ride sites but for councillors who insist on driving into the centre of town for meetings they will still be able to park at the Westgate or any of the City Council's off street parking sites for a small charge.”

The changes would ensure parking at County Hall remains available for those with accessibility needs and for essential operational use, while supporting the council’s broader ambitions around active travel, public transport and reducing traffic in Oxford city centre.