The decision to start charging at two more Oxford park-and-rides is a money-making venture for Oxford City Council, objectors claim.

Figures produced by the city council anticipate total annual income of £521,000, if a 50p per day charge, discounted to 40p for pre-payment, is introduced at all four of the city's park-and-rides.

Motorists already pay at Pear Tree and the city council's highways committee yesterday (thurs) approved plans to charge at Seacourt and Redbridge from the second week in September.

Council chiefs are now trying to obtain the owner's agreement to charge at Thornhill.

Kay Orr, of Midwinter Avenue, Milton Heights, said: "Is this another way of making money for the council? I am sure 50p per day from all the cars parked at the park-and-ride will cover more than a couple of wage packets."

City councillors promised to use all the money made from charging to pay for security guards and better facilities at the car parks.

But the county council - which must agree to the proposals - wants surplus income to go on providing more park-and-ride spaces.

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