A recent study has revealed that Oxford railway station boasts some of the highest parking fees for train stations across the UK, excluding London.
The research, conducted by car finance company Moneybarn, compared parking costs for an eight-hour stay on weekdays at the busiest train stations in the UK. The findings shed light on the financial challenges faced by commuters.
According to the study, Oxford railway station stands out with a significant parking fee of £31.50 for an eight-hour stay for non-rail users, marking it as one of the most expensive options outside of London.
With an annual footfall exceeding five million visitors as of March 2022, Oxford station ranks 15th among the busiest stations in the UK. However, in terms of parking charges, it ranks fifth overall, including London stations, with Gatwick Airport topping the list at £50 for an eight-hour stay.
A spokesperson from Great Western Railway clarified that the £7 daily fee for rail customers at Oxford Station's car park is significantly lower than the non-rail user rate. This difference in pricing stems from a stipulation in the car park's original planning consent, which aimed to prevent undercutting prices at nearby local authority car parks.
Following closely behind Oxford, Glasgow Central and Moorfields in Liverpool share the second spot with parking charges of £24.95 for an eight-hour stay. Glasgow Central, as Scotland's largest city, attracts a massive footfall of 15 million annually, solidifying its position as one of the busiest train stations in the UK. Despite hosting fewer passengers, Moorfields matches Glasgow Central's parking fees.
The findings come amid plans to increase street parking costs in 14 areas of Oxford, effective April 15. Off-street parking and Park and Ride facilities are presented as alternative options by Oxfordshire County Council, with combined parking and bus 24-hour tickets available at affordable rates.
Meanwhile, Oxford City Council is considering banning cheap car parking for shoppers at a college off Oxpens Road, as the City of Oxford College has been informed that it can no longer rent out parking spaces due to regulatory constraints.
Overall, the parking landscape in Oxford reflects the broader challenges faced by commuters and shoppers alike, highlighting the need for affordable and accessible parking solutions in the city. Photo by mattbuck, Wikimedia commons.
