PLANS to consult the public on workplace parking charges and other congestion-busting measures have been postponed until the autumn.

About 1,500 businesses in Oxford are being asked to reveal how many parking spaces they own and how their employers get to work so Oxfordshire County Council can work out how much revenue the levy would generate.

Public consultation was due to begin this month, following the completion of the survey but council managers said it would now be delayed for more research to take place.

County council spokesman Martin Crabtree said a workplace parking levy was one of three options being considered, to address longstanding issues around traffic management in the city, along with congestion charging and access restrictions.

He added: “We are still considering all of these options but we have increased the amount of time allocated for research and engagement prior to carrying out wider consultation. “We also need to work around the forthcoming city council elections in May and the restrictions this imposes from late March.

“Residents and businesses will understand these are major considerations for Oxford and it is important we are thorough in our approach.

“We are therefore working towards consultation this autumn.”

County councillor John Howson said: “It would have been much better to get on with the consultation.”