City businesses have presented a petition to the county council going against the authority's plans to remove on-street parking bays outside their shops.

Oxfordshire County Council proposed to remove 41 on-street parking spaces on Hollow Way in Oxford with the aim of reducing congestion in the area.

The petition, which has been signed by 1,000 people so far, was presented at the full county council meeting on Tuesday (November 5).

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In his speech at the meeting, Niaz Ali, co-owner of Holloway Autoparts, said: “The proposal to remove our parking bays has caused deep concern, stress and fear for our livelihoods.

“These businesses are Oxford legends and community hubs. You should be proud of us and supporting us but instead council-led decisions hinder our growth and put our futures at risk.

“We have already had to absorb loss of trading due to traffic measures such as LTNs and had to deal with customer concerns over the impending traffic filter.

“The majority of the Hollow Way businesses have customers coming from miles around – not only within the city but outside too.

“Some rely on take away orders. If you take away our parking those customers are just going to go somewhere else or go online instead."

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In their consultation web page, the county council said the proposal would reduce traffic concerns and provide more space for vehicles to pass each other, something that affects local bus services.

In his speech Mr Ali said: “I ask why one company, however large, is being given preferential treatment over something that will cause a huge detrimental impact on a number of family run businesses.

“Taking away parking bays will not actually improve travel times as buses will only get stuck at the junction at the end of Hollow Way. That is the true bottleneck. 

“We have had one business close on Hollow Way citing inflating costs and the impending bus gate as reasons, and your proposed changes will only drive more business out and destroy livelihoods.”

The county council opened a consultation so that local people could have their say on the issue, which closed at 11.59pm on Tuesday, November 5.

They will respond to their petition within the next 10 working days.

Independent councillor Saj Malik previously organised a meeting with business owners and locals on Monday, October 21.

He said the “overwhelming majority” wanted to keep the car parking spaces.

Mr Malik added: “It’s our duty to protect the precious small independent family businesses and listen to the constituents who elected us."

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