Free parking continues as stay times change in Burford, Charlbury and Woodstock

Councillor Lidia Arciszewska, Executive Member for Environment, said: “The changes we proposed were designed to reflect the balance between long and short stay parking in Burford, Charlbury and Woodstock to benefit local communities.  

“We’ve listened carefully to what residents, workers and local businesses told us during the consultation, and we’ve made changes to our proposals that will better achieve our goals of supporting local workers, preventing commuter parking and protecting access to our town centres. 

“Importantly, I want to reassure everyone that all council-run car parks will remain free to use. There was never any proposal to introduce charging and I want to make it clear that free parking remains to be our ongoing commitment.” 

Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, added: “This is a great example of how public feedback can help shape our decisions. Meaningful consultation and listening to residents is absolutely central to the way we work, and I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views. Your input has directly informed the changes we’re now making.” 

As a result, the maximum long-stay period in the three car parks will change, mostly to ten hours. This aims to support local workers while still discouraging all-day commuter parking. The mix of long- and short-stay spaces is also being adjusted to improve turnover for shoppers and visitors, while maintaining longer-stay options. 

The Council will also introduce regular and consistent enforcement at each location. Parking patterns will be monitored, and a formal internal review will take place after 12 months to ensure the changes are working. 

Data collected in Burford showed around 60% of users stay for less than four hours, supporting the adjusted balance of parking spaces at that location. 

Stay times Guildford Car Park, Burford 

Stay times Hensington Road Car Park, Woodstock 

Stay times Spendlove Car Park, Charlbury 

Moving forward, the Council are now finalising the legal steps needed to bring in the changes from 1 February 2026. Once in place, parking will be monitored, and a full review will be carried out after 12 months to ensure the arrangements are operating effectively. 

The Council remains firmly committed to keeping its car parks free, safe, well-managed and welcoming, while supporting local businesses, workers and vibrant town centres across West Oxfordshire.