PARKING at all of Oxford's Park and Ride sites will be free from this weekend.

From Saturday (December 5), people will be able to leave their cars at five sites free of charge and ride the bus into the city centre.

Drivers can take advantage of the offer at Pear Tree, Redbridge, Seacourt, Thornhill and Oxford Parkway.

However, they will still have to pay to use the bus to ride into the city, but if they are travelling with family the costs are capped at £4.80 per car.

READ MORE: Why Westgate car park will close this Christmas

This means that if there are more than two adults in one car, they will get their bus journey for free. Children will also get to travel free of charge.

The free parking offer will last until December 27, and cover the festive shopping season.

Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council have introduced the freebie in an effort to get more people supporting local businesses after a tumultuous year.

READ MORE: Two-hour parking to remain free in Abingdon and Wantage

The parking offer will also prevent traffic jams on road in the city centre.

At the same time, the Westgate Shopping Centre car park will be closed when there are more than 900 cars parked inside to stop tailbacks on nearby roads.

Back in August, the two councils ran a similar free parking scheme at the five Park and Ride sites after the first nationwide lockdown.