Parking problems caused by Oxford United fans could be made worse if new restrictions are introduced near the Kassam Stadium.

Council officers had been planning to bring in no-waiting restrictions on the whole of Grenoble Road.

But since the start of the season, fans have been parking there and Thames Valley Police and Sandford-on-Thames residents, where other supporters have been parking, believe a total ban on the dual carriageway would make the situation worse.

The matter was due to be discussed by the city council's highways committee todaythurs.

Police have suggested introducing a partial waiting restriction, but residents in Sandford do not want any restriction introduced because they say it would shift more fans to their arrea.

County councillor Roy Tudor-Hughes, who represents the Dorchester division, told council officers: "If these cars are prevented from parking on Grenoble Road the adverse impact on Sandford can only get worse.

"There would be no alternatives for the displaced cars as close as the village.

"The opening of the Unipart car park last Saturday was ineffectual as it is too far from the ground.

"These waiting restrictions should not be implemented until the parking problem has been resolved."

Dr Nigel Northcott, chairman of Sandford-on-Thames Parish Council, added: "The action designed to stop parking around the stadium will merely deflect cars into Sandford and Blackbird Leys."

Parking along Grenoble Road would also help reduce the speed of traffic, he said.

Highways officers are recommending that the no-waiting restriction on Grenoble Road should be limited to the north side, from the Science Park access road to Frys Hill roundabout, and on the southern side of Grenoble Road from the Western stadium access road to Guelder Road.