Shoppers and commuters in Oxford can use a new park-and-ride for free.

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Oxford Mail, the Water Eaton park-and-ride, near the grain silo between Oxford and Kidlington, opens on Tuesday and will offer free parking until the New Year, when a 60p fee will be introduced.

Initially, it will have space for 400 cars.

It will be linked to the city by a new dedicated bus service.

David Robertson, Oxfordshire County Council's executive member for transport, said: "I am particularly pleased that council staff and contractors have managed to get this new facility in place in time for Christmas. The extra parking should be a great help to businesses in the busy Christmas period."

On December 2, the county council opened the extension to the Thornhill park-and-ride, which has doubled in size to 950 spaces.

A planned 60p parking charge there is also being delayed until January.

Charles Shouler, chairman of the county council, will launch the new service at Water Eaton on Tuesday at 10am.

However, it will be open from 7am.

Buses will run every 10 minutes, Monday to Saturday, from 7am to 7pm. Construction of the new car park is continuing and when it is completed early next year, will have space for 800 cars, an enclosed heated waiting room, toilets, cycle lockers and security offices.