Shopkeepers say new parking rules outside their Oxford stores are helping to revitalise businesses.

In February, traders in Cherwell Drive, Marston, asked Oxfordshire County Council to impose a two-hour waiting limit on spaces outside their shops.

They said motorists were leaving their cars in the bays all day, or for days at a time, which was stopping potential customers from parking.

The time limit was imposed last month, and traders said the benefits are starting to show.

Sean Woodward, owner of the Pads and Paws pet shop said: "It's so much better now. I can look out of the window and see 10 spaces now, whereas before you were lucky to see one.

"A lot of customers are commenting on how it's nice to be able to park outside the store and how it's bringing them back.

"People form habits when they shop and they continue to go to where they would normally go, unless there's a reason to stop.

"If people have moved elsewhere, we want them to know there's now parking here for them and that the problems we had are gone."

Seasons Delicatessen owner Sandra Kerwood said she had noticed a definite upturn in business. She added: "People can pop by and get things. I'm sure there were a lot of people who had been put off from even trying.

"It was hard for people before, because they might have only had a certain amount of time in their lunch break to get something. This make things so much better for everyone."

Colin Organ, co-owner of Oxford Car Audio, said: "The signs are very good indeed. It has come in the nick of time. What we're seeing right now is the biggest slowdown in 10 years, and people who want to find me are now able to get in and park."

"If you run a business and people can park outside, they're going to keep coming to you."

Marston resident Mick Haines, who called at city council area committee meetings for the parking restrictions to be introduced, said:"It's really helping the area to have shops that people can drive to and park in front of without having to search for a space for hours."