TRADERS have urged their neighbours to speak out on controversial new parking measures in East Oxford after it emerged plans have not yet been finalised.

Oxfordshire County Council will launch a fresh consultation with people in and around Magdalen Road from November 20 — despite a Controlled Parking Zone for the area being approved earlier this month.

Now business owners, who claim the scheme will drive away customers and cause tension with residents, are calling on people to register their concerns.

Michael Diliberto, of Giovanni’s Barber Shop, in Magdalen Road, said he believes people can still help alter the plans.

He added: “We thought everything had gone through and was a done deal, but evidently not.

“It appears the council will be consulting again and we need everybody around here to contact the council.

“We are still not happy with the scheme, but if we are going to have one then we need to have as much say and involvement in it as possible.”

The council needs to consult on the CPZ again because it changed its initial plans by removing roads in Iffley Fields from the scheme.

Mr Diliberto said: “The biggest problem we have as traders is the shared parking bays, which are going to mean residents, staff and our customers all fighting for a few spaces.

“These are the types of worries that need to be highlighted.”

Dennis Pratley, 61, who has run his barber shop in Hertford Street for 41 years, said: “People need to tell the council right now about why this scheme is wrong for the area. I am going to take this all the way to the top. I am already organising a petition and will fight tooth and nail to stop this area being destroyed.

“Businesses will close and the area will lose its character and identity. This cannot be allowed to happen.”

Jane Jakeman, manager of the Bloomin’ Chic flower shop, said: “This is a great opportunity for people to have their say and let the council know exactly what they feel and what they need.

“If it’s not planned properly, a CPZ could prove to be destructive to lots of small businesses in this area.”

Campaigners from Iffley Fields organised a dawn protest outside county councillor Ian Hudspeth’s home and a buggy push to highlight their opposition before their area was dropped from the proposal.

Residents from in and around Magdalen Road packed a meeting on October 1 to watch Mr Hudspeth and fellow councillor Rodney Rose give the scheme the go-ahead.

Under the scheme, a permit will cost £40 and each homeowner will get up to 50 free one-day visitor permits.

Many of the spaces will be shared between residents and businesses, but people without a permit will find their stays restricted. Details are yet to be finalised.

Council spokesman Paul Smith confirmed people would have until December 20 to register their comments.

Packs will be sent to homes and businesses in the area, containing information about the scheme and a questionnaire to be returned to the council.