Given the severity of Oxford City Council's financial problems, it was unlikely that motorists would escape.

With the council facing a £5.2m black hole in its budget, drivers were an obvious target.

The best that can be said about the inflation-busting parking charges to be introduced on January 1 is that the burden will be shared.

The higher fees will hit county residents as hard, if not harder, than those living in the city.

But the new policy is bound to make people wonder whether the city really wants to attract shoppers.

Traders are aghast at the increases.

Many have been struggling in the face of intense competition, and the last thing they want is another incentive for people to spend their money elsewhere.

Oxford lags well behind other towns and cities in the amount and variety of shopping it provides.

The Westgate Centre redevelopment is still some years away.

And car park charges are already well above what motorists pay when they visit many rival towns.

It is not that cheap to travel to Oxford by bus either, following recent increases in fares.

Oxford must be careful it does not price itself out of the market and drive more people away.