PARKING charges will be re-introduced in district council car parks across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse from Monday, June 8.

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have allowed people to park for free since March 26, to support key workers and those who need to shop for essential food or medical supplies during the Coronavirus pandemic after travel restrictions were put in place.

However with many restrictions now lifted, and following the government’s announcement that outdoor markets and car showrooms can re-open on June 1 and non-essential retail on June 15, the councils will now re-introduce parking fees.

The move will help to improve the availability of parking spaces as people start to visit local shops again and encourage them to consider using more sustainable travel methods when visiting our town centres.

Car parks will operate as normal, meaning that motorists must display a ticket or have a valid online or text payment confirmation, including during any free hours offered in the charging period. Normal rates will apply. New permits will be issued or re-issued to anyone whose permit would’ve normally expired since lockdown began.

NHS staff and care workers who display a national Covid-19 pass can continue to park for free.

To claim a pass, staff should email carparks.southandvale.uk@sabagroup.com, including proof of employment.

Jenny Hannaby, cabinet member for housing and environment at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “With restrictions being reduced and shops soon be able to open again, we must now ensure that we have sufficient spaces available for people who wish to visit our local shops.”

For more information visit southoxon.gov.uk/parking or whitehorsedc.gov.uk/parking.