Drivers in Oxford are criticising plans by Green Party councillors to charge more for parking SUVs and large vehicles. This proposal aims to align Oxford with cities like Paris and Bath, which have already implemented similar measures.
The councillors argue that bigger cars cause more road damage and pose greater risks to pedestrians and the environment. However, many drivers believe that raising parking fees, which are already high in Oxford, would be unreasonable.
Pest control worker Daniel Lewis, 44, said "Price hiking would be ridiculous because even as standard vehicle parking here it costs almost £40 a day. On St Giles it is £13.50 for two hours but if you go somewhere like St Albans you can pay £5 for the whole day. It's an absolute joke.'
Emily Kerr, the Green Party councillor behind the proposal, sees it as a practical response to the growing size of cars and limited parking space. She believes that charging based on factors like size, weight, and emissions makes sense in addressing these issues.
However, drivers feel that this policy is merely a money-making scheme by the council. They argue that it fails to address broader issues and unfairly burdens them.
Meanwhile, motoring groups and opposition councillors express concerns about the financial impact on drivers and suggest alternative solutions to improve road infrastructure.
Overall, the debate highlights tensions between environmental concerns and the interests of drivers in Oxford. The proposal will be further discussed later this year, with potential reductions to accommodate specific needs, such as wheelchair-accessible vehicles.