Oxfordshire Council Proposes Long-Stay Parking Fees at Thornhill
Oxfordshire County Council seeks approval for new long-stay parking tariffs at Thornhill Park and Ride to accommodate travelers using airport coach services.
The Oxfordshire County Council is seeking approval to introduce long-stay parking charges at the Thornhill Park and Ride facility to better accommodate travelers using coach services to Heathrow and Gatwick airports. County transport boss Gareth Epps recommended the new tariffs, which would cost £15 for eight days and £30 for 15 days.
A summer consultation involving 31 respondents showed 91 percent support for the proposal. The Oxford Bus Company strongly backs the plan to make airport coach travel more practical. A council report noted that the facility retains substantial spare capacity even during peak periods, such as Oxford University open days.
Opponents of the plan argue that facilitating long-term parking for flights contradicts sustainable travel goals and may deprive daily commuters of available spaces. This proposal follows an August 17 policy change that replaced free group day passes with a £3 combined ticket across five park and ride locations, including Pear Tree, Oxford Parkway, Thornhill, Redbridge, and Seacourt.
A final decision on the long-stay tariffs is expected during a council meeting on Thursday, October 8.
