A scheme to introduce match day parking zones around the Kassam stadium to protect residents' parking spaces has been criticised by councillors.

The proposals were discussed by Oxford City Council's south east area committee last night after the county council asked for it to be put on the agenda as a matter of urgency.

Residents have long called for restrictions to stop their streets being used as extra parking for the new stadium.

Under the proposals, put forward by Oxfordshire County Council highways officers, controlled parking zones would be introduced on match days.

Residents in the zones -- Brake Hill, Frys Hill, Minchery Farm and parts of Blackbird Leys -- would be issued with permits, to display on match days.

Limited parking times are also proposed for entry points to the stadium, to deter fans and ensure bus routes are kept clear.

The county highways department plans to introduce a six-month scheme in February.

But Gill Sanders, the councillor for Littlemore, said she was very concerned.

She said the proposed signs appeared to read 'No parking at any time', without specifying that restrictions would only apply during matches.

Ms Sanders said this could stop residents parking outside their own homes.

She said: "I can't see justification for that and certainly wouldn't approve it.

"If the Minchery Farm zone restrictions apply at all times, this is going to seriously disadvantage a huge number of people who live there."

Ms Sanders said she was annoyed at the county council's failure to properly consult with city councillors or offer a detailed explanation of the proposed restrictions.

John Tanner agreed that the planner's map was unclear about what the proposed restrictions meant for local residents.

The committee agreed to tell county planners that they did not want parking restrictions applied to residents in the zones outside match days.