Parking impacting local business (Roads)

Fri 19 Sep, 18:10 (last edited on Fri 19 Sep, 18:11)

I have asked the Town Council to consider adding Becky and Debi's suggestion to the list of changes to the current scheme which was discussed last the last TC meeting and which is being submitted to OCC officers.  Which by the way already includes more permit-free parking on Brown's Lane and near the cemetery, another place where people coming into the town need to be able to park.  WODC are going to be reviewing the arrangements at the Spendlove, which they own, to see if more spaces can be made there.

Fri 19 Sep, 15:41 (last edited on Fri 19 Sep, 15:41)

I’m not sure any of this is particularly helpful to Becky and Debi’s original point.

Changing the one-hour restriction on Sheep Street to three hours (like Market Street) seems very doable.

OCC certainly do listen to consultation responses – I was reading earlier today that the latest Witney High Street plans have been revised following feedback from businesses along the street. There are several OCC staff who live in Charlbury, so it isn’t the case that they can’t imagine “a town without regular public transport and multiple car parks”. (Even though Charlbury surely does have regular public transport!)

If you think the change is worth making, then do send feedback as Becky and Debi ask.

Fri 19 Sep, 09:31

A referendum and a consultation are not the same thing

Thu 18 Sep, 19:07

Simon's argument if true would mean that there was not a majority who voted for Brexit. 

Thu 18 Sep, 15:31

Important point from Alan, and agree as a social scientist. These stats also seem to be in line with comments on local media eg Oxford Mail and BBC Oxfordshire, most of which were objections. The same point applies of course to the Charlbury parking consultation.

Thu 18 Sep, 12:21

I don't have any particular views to offer on the scheme under discussion, but as someone whose degree involved a significant amount of statistics I would just like to take issue with the idea that because only 1% of the population responded, the answers cannot be seen as representative of the views of the population as a whole.  This is a fallacy.  In terms of statistical reliability, the absolute number of respondents is far more important than the proportion of the population.  (What does matter is the likelihood of selection bias, eg are opponents of the scheme more likely to respond than supporters, or vice versa.  I suspect that is likely to be less of an issue for this particular consultation than for many.)

Thu 18 Sep, 10:48

Regarding Oxford, there were 7,165 respondents, "In the survey, 66% of people said there should not be a charge, while 74% said it would negatively affect them.", As of June 2023, the population of Oxford City (ONS figure) was 165,200. The population for Oxfordshire is give as 763,200. Therefore the actual figure of people who responded negatively, is a very small number when compared to the population of the city or the county. Statistically it is not a representative figure and it should not really be stated that it is i.e. it is not "an overwhelming rejection". If anything, the figures show that a majority of people are not bothered by the proposal and subsequent costs. Of course that will be seen as the 'silent majority who have no voice' etc.

Thu 18 Sep, 08:15

I would suggest that the businesses affected write to their local councillors on OCC as part of the problem is that OCC policies prevent businesses having permits. Noone seems to have realised this until the scheme was so far in progress that noone wanted to pull it. There’s no reason that OCC cant change it, even if they change it just for Charlbury, Staff working in OCC probably can’t imagine a town without regular public transport and multiple car parks. 

Wed 17 Sep, 14:10

The long and short of it is that the people in charge of the scheme do not care about the normal people like all the businesses commenting on this. They are only interested about their own pockets, and the people who bought houses with out driveways who now decide to moan about parking don't care either. 

Nothing will happen whenever the "review" takes place. All consultations are a waste of time. Look at the new Oxford congestion charge they have shoehorned in despite the overwhelming rejection on the consultation. If the council want to do something they will do so without regard for the people it impacts the most. 

I do feel sorry for all the people this ridiculous scheme will impact. 

Wed 17 Sep, 13:47

I think Becky's concerns are valid and her suggestions are sensible. I really hope these issues and concerns are taken into consideration by the people in charge of this scheme and positive changes are made in due course. Keeping a business running during these times is tricky enough, and especially hard for small local businesses and self-employed tradespeople. 

Please let's support the businesses/ tradespeople that we have in Charlbury!  

Wed 17 Sep, 11:35

With traffic wardens giving out tickets as late as 9.30 in the evening a visitor from Chadlington received a fine as missed the new signage!
As Christine mentioned less mobile folk now struggle to complete visits into town. Perhaps they could issue some ‘in car badges’ for residents or those working around town. They could then use the several empty resident spaces, as whole areas seem ‘blocked’ now.

I had to park on double yellow lines to collect urgent prescription from Averose, stress is not good.

My other gripe is that with spaces for 3 cars, many are just parking across them, leaving half a car width free either side, so… frustrating.  These spaces need making as 3 cars.

Tue 16 Sep, 19:17

My car is my toolbox,  so if I work in charlbury town centre I need to park my car where I work. 

This has become almost impossible since the new restrictions have been introduced. I'm sure after the years trial nothing will change as those people who have permits are perfectly happy. 

Apart from using a hand trolley which has been  smugly suggested by permit holders, I'm struggling every day to park for work. Trade permits maybe..

Mon 15 Sep, 07:53

It's not just visitors who need longer than 3 hours in the Coop car park, it's also locals who live outside the very centre of the town, especially those with mobility problems but who don't qualify for Blue Badge parking.

This includes many elderly Charlbury residents and younger people with temporary disabilities (eg broken bones). It's already difficult enough! 

Mon 15 Sep, 07:34

I have also been told that it would be difficult if I wanted to park to do regular garden maintenance as residents aren't provided with spare permits to allow for something like this?

Mon 15 Sep, 05:55 (last edited on Mon 15 Sep, 09:36)

I firmly believe that there needs to be parking somewhere so you can stay longer than 3 hours. I appreciate your suggestion that local businesses would be looked after with a permit scheme, but what about people visiting the town who need to stay longer? As local businesses are not entitled to visitors permits to issue to people, what about an electrician for example who are working all day for you?

Sun 14 Sep, 21:51

Should this actually say “maximum” of 3 hours. . . ?

To prevent the Co-op carpark being misused by commuters and non-permit holders this needs to be restricted, minimum of 3 hours.

Sun 14 Sep, 20:57

Hello Charlbury,

Becky and Debi here, co owners of Clarimore Beautique - Sheep Street.

Since opening the salon in 2017 parking hasn’t been easy and as popularity grew parking became more difficult. Although the new restrictions have helped stop the commuters unfortunately we find the restrictions too limiting for our…

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