Help Keep Parking Simple and Accessible!

Oxfordshire County Council in November replaced the current scratch-card visitor parking permit system with an virtual system (https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/roads-and-transport/parking/parking-permits/new-parking-permit-website) . While the Council claims this will "better serve residents," this change introduces unnecessary complications, excludes vulnerable groups, and creates challenges for enforcement and residents alike.

Under the current system, when a visitor arrives, you simply place a scratch-card permit on their dashboard—quick, easy, and transparent. The proposed digital permits, however, require you to register each visitor's car online, rely on the Council's technology to track it, and navigate a potentially unreliable and less user-friendly system. Worse still, they expect you to register your visitor's registration number before they arrive, when you may not know they are coming, and probably don't know their Reg.No.  This is clearly unworkable !

Why the Digital-Only System Falls Short

1. Added Complexity: Replacing scratch-cards with an online system means juggling your phone or computer for every visitor. It's an unnecessary hassle compared to the simplicity of the current system.
2. Lack of Transparency: With no physical permit visible, residents and parking wardens cannot verify at a glance whether a car is parked legally.
3. Time Management Issues: Residents must track time limits online, creating extra work for visitors who stay over 24 hours.
4. Privacy Concerns: The digital system will log all your visitor details—both personal and professional. How can we ensure this data won't be misused or hacked?
5. Exclusion of Vulnerable Groups: Elderly or less tech-savvy residents, who often rely most on visitors, may struggle with this change. This change is therefore discriminatory as it creates unnecessary barriers to access for those who need the system the most.
6. Enforcement Challenges: Parking wardens will need to spend extra time checking cars via gadgets, slowing down the process. This issue already exists with the removal of visible resident stickers.

No Consultation

This major change was announced without meaningful consultation with residents. Decisions like these, which impact daily life, should involve robust dialogue with the community.

Petition to Oxfordshire County Council

We, the undersigned residents of Oxford, urge Oxfordshire County Council to reconsider this decision. The scratch-card system is efficient, accessible, and does not need replacing. Let's keep it simple and fair for everyone—don't "fix" what isn't broken!

Please sign this petition and share your concerns directly with:
Louise Tustian, Director of Transformation, Digital & Customer Experience, Oxfordshire County Council
Email: residentialpermits@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Your support can help ensure that Oxfordshire retains a system that works for all. Together, let's protect our community's convenience and accessibility!