ALL five park-and-ride car parks in Oxfordshire will now be run by the county council, the local authority's leaders agreed today.

Until now, Redbridge, Seacourt and Pear Tree park-and-rides have been run by the city council, but they will now join Water Eaton and Thornhill in being run by County Hall.

The intention is to make parking free of charge in all five car parks at a date to be fixed.

County councillor Ian Hudspeth, cabinet member for transport, said: "As yet, there is no decision on exactly when the new arrangement will come in to place.

"However, both councils are working hard together to make sure the handover takes place as soon as possible.

"I am delighted to be able to take this decision and look forward to the county council taking on all five park-and-rides.

"Our commitment to park-and-ride is illustrated by the excellent upgrade work we have just completed at Thornhill and we'll be looking to build on what is a successful system wherever we can."

Source: Witney Gazette