We are disappointed by the news that the city council plans to increase off-street car parking charges at a time when the retail sector, and Oxford in particular, are going through a difficult time.

Oxford is a wonderful city in so many ways, but it cannot rest on its reputation alone.

Surely with Oxford's car parking charges already above competing towns and cities, the city needs to encourage shoppers, business visitors and tourists to the city, not put deterrents in their way?

Although the park-and-ride bus services, which I and many colleagues use daily, are good, it is wrong to think that they can cover the majority of visitors' needs.

We hope that Oxford City Council will rethink its decision and its effect on the economy of Oxford and do something to help it prosper.

CLIFF MANION

Chairman, Oxford High Street, Business Association