Saturday afternoon parking boost for motorists
Motorists in South Oxfordshire are set to receive a welcome boost this April, thanks to the
introduction of free parking on Saturday afternoons in all district council car parks.
Starting on Saturday 14 April, parking will be free to everyone on Saturday afternoons (from
either 2pm or 3pm, depending on the car park), in addition to any free period currently offered.
This means that people will be free to explore the local shops or enjoy an extended afternoon
meal without having to worry about the cost of parking.
The introduction of free Saturday afternoon parking is designed to encourage people to spend
more time in South Oxfordshire towns on Saturday afternoons, exploring the local sites and shops,
and boosting local trade in the process.
The new parking initiative is in line with Mary Portas' recent review into the future of our high
streets, which recommended that local areas should use parking schemes to help boost high
street trade.
New Saturday afternoon free period start times:
Town
Car park
Edinburgh Drive
Didcot
Goring
Henley
Thame
Wallingford
Saturday
free period
start time
2pm*
High Street
2pm*
Broadway East
2pm*
Broadway West
2pm*
Wheel Orchard
3pm*
Greys Road
3pm
Kings Road
3pm
Southfields
2pm
Cattle Market
2pm*
Southern Road
2pm*
Cattle Market
2pm*
Castle Street
2pm
Goldsmith Lane
2pm*
St Georges
2pm
Thames Street
2pm*
Riverside
3pm
*in addition to existing free period
The free Saturday afternoon parking initiative is in addition to the newly introduced half price car
park season tickets for those working in the district. The scheme, which launched on 1 April, has
already proved popular with dozens already signed up for cheaper season tickets.
People are asked to check the individual car park tariff and signage for more information. For more
information about parking in South Oxfordshire visit www.southoxon.gov.uk/parking.
Cllr Judith Nimmo-Smith, Cabinet Member for Economy, Property and Technical services, said:
“Free parking on Saturday afternoons will give traders a real boost at a time of the week when
trade typically tails off after lunch. We encourage everyone to take advantage of being able to park
for free, on Saturday afternoons, and to use this time to explore their local town and discover the
range of shops, galleries, restaurants and other amenities on offer.”