Oxfordshire County Council has approved a new parking scheme aimed at improving on-street parking in Witney’s historic areas. The initiative, designed to benefit residents and visitors alike, introduces time-limited parking options alongside a permit scheme for eligible properties, following years of consultation and planning.
Parking Enhancements
Non-permit holders will soon be able to park for up to two hours, Monday to Saturday, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, in designated areas on:
- The southern and eastern arms of Church Green
- Both sides of Corn Street
Additionally, the central arm of Church Green will allow four-hour parking every day between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management, approved the scheme during a meeting on 23 January 2025. The initiative seeks to balance the needs of residents and the growing demand for short-stay parking in Witney’s bustling town centre.
Addressing Historic Parking Challenges
Witney’s historic charm comes with unique challenges. Many homes lack off-street parking, making on-street options essential. Councillor Andrew Coles, representing Witney South & Central, voiced strong support for the proposal, saying:
“Residents have struggled for many years to park close to their homes. Many of the residents don’t have access to off-street parking due to the historic nature of this really important part of Witney”
St Mary’s Church, local schools, popular businesses, and residential homes contribute to congestion in the area, further highlighting the need for improved parking management.
Permit Scheme Details
The scheme includes a new residents’ parking permit system. Eligible properties include:
- Marlborough Lane
- 1–24 Charter Place
- 2–20 Station Lane
- Church Green (Even Nos. 2–44, Odd Nos. 1–29)
- Corn Street (Even Nos. 36–172, Odd Nos. 27–151)
- Market Square (Even Nos. 52–58, Odd Nos. 29–39)
Key permit features:
- Residents may apply for one permit per person, with a maximum of two per property.
- Annual permit cost: £65 per vehicle.
- Visitors are eligible for 25 free 24-hour scratch cards annually, with additional cards available for purchase.
- Blue badge holders can park in permit areas without displaying a permit.
Community Feedback
The approval follows extensive public consultation and revisions to address residents’ concerns. For example, properties on Station Lane (Nos. 2–20) were added to the eligible permit list after advocacy from local residents, including John Garside, who said the changes came as a “huge relief.”
However, some residents expressed lingering concerns about limited residential parking spaces and suggested designating Church Green as a permit-only zone.
Future Benefits
The parking scheme is expected to alleviate congestion, improve access for residents, and provide more flexible options for visitors that serves Witney’s diverse needs.
What’s Next?
Residents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new regulations and apply for permits where eligible. The County Council has committed to ongoing monitoring of the scheme’s impact and will consider further adjustments if necessary.
