A COUNCIL has literally brought motorists to their knees as the “car parking fiasco” enters a new chapter.

In readiness for a rise in parking fees from April 4, Cherwell District Council has lowered the height of three of Bicester’s busiest parking meters – as part of plans to charge disabled blue badge drivers.

But as the parking meters are made ready for wheelchair users, the rest of the townspeople now have to bend, squat or kneel to pay to park.

But before people can pay to park users at council-run car parks have to enter their car registration number first.

The move has been criticised by motorists, businesses and opposition councillors, who say it’s plain “ridiculous”.

Cherwell lowered the meters in Market Square, Franklins Yard and Claremont car parks in Bicester, and seven in Banbury, costing £2,674 and £4,570 respectively.

It anticipates clawing back £96,000 from blue badge holders.

John Broad, of Langford Village, Bicester, who is 6ft 4in, said: “To use that meter, I have to bend completely in half or kneel down.

“All they have done it for is to gather cash from people in wheelchairs and everyone else is suffering.

“I’m sure it must contravene health and safety rules for everyone else.”

Motorist and blue badge holder Dean Jacobi, who has arthritis and problems with his knees and back, slammed the changes.

He said: “It isn’t suitable for someone with my disability. I have been here five minutes and seen half a dozen people bend or kneel.”

Lynne Wright, of Bicester Beds, said: “We have watched people get on their hands and knees, we have watched them squat, shake their heads and one woman got her kid to do it.

“Nobody is managing to use it properly.”

Opposition councillors Les Sibley and Nick Cotter have launched a petition to call on Cherwell to halt plans to increase parking fees and press for 30 minutes free parking while the Bicester town centre redevelopment takes place.

Mr Sibley said: “It’s a right fiasco. The car parking debacle goes on and on. All this will do is drive people out of town.

“I just think it’s ridiculous, the whole thing has been ill thought out.”

Cherwell said it had made concessions for disabled blue badge holders, which include 25 per cent discount on a season ticket, free evening parking, and a buy one hour, get one free scheme.

In car parks where the meters have not been lowered, wheelchair users will have to call the council’s automated telephone system to pay to park and the 20p fee will be waived.

Nigel Morris, Cherwell’s portfolio holder for community safety, street scene and rural services, said: “This is the first price increase for more than two years and only the second in seven years, “It is barely keeping up with inflation.

“Given the massive Government cuts to public sector funding, we have been forced into a position where we had to make our car parking pay its way.”

l Parking fees across Bicester and Banbury will go up by 10p an hour from April 4.

Motorists will be charged a flat rate to park in the evening – 70p in Bicester and 80p in Banbury – Sunday and Bank Holiday fees will be brought in line with fees for weekdays and blue badge holders will be charged.

l Parking permits handed back: Page 3