Traders have welcomed news that parking restrictions are to be brought in outside their parade of shops.

The Oxford Mail reported last month that businesses in Cherwell Drive, Marston, Oxford, were fearing for their future.

Commuters clogging up the few parking spaces outside the shops prompted calls for action to tackle the problem.

And Oxfordshire County Council has pledged to introduce one and two hour parking restrictions, as well as permit holder parking.

Provided there are no objections to the scheme, it should be in place within the next two months.

Mark Stansfield, from Oxford Car Audio, said: "I am 100 per cent behind this decision - it will be of huge benefit to our business and to all the other businesses along Cherwell Drive.

"The situation was getting pretty silly down here and I am glad the council has finally seen some sense. It is just a shame that it has taken this long for it to happen."

Sandra Kerwood, who owns Seasons Delicatessen, feared her business would close unless the problem was sorted.

She said: "I am very glad that something is happening, but this has been such a long drawn out process that I will only believe it when I see it."

She called for regular enforcement to stop drivers abusing the system.

Kenal Kalc of the Mediterranean Fish Bar, said: "I hope these motorists that have been leaving their cars here for hours, days even, are punished and given fines. It's the only way to stop them."

Headington and Marston county councillor Altaf Kahn said the move was fantastic news. He added: "These shops are well used by residents of Old Marston and Marston, and the parking situation was being abused."