A PENSIONER who claimed police vehicles were blocking his driveway in Kidlington said he was disappointed by new traffic restrictions designed to solve the problem.

Michael Makepeace lives with wife Janet, 72, in Oxford Road, near the entrance to the Thames Valley Police force headquarters.

The 73-year-old said police vehicles sometimes parked in the service road outside his home, partly covering the white line in front of his driveway, which indicates the driveway should be kept clear.

On Thursday county council leaders agreed a new restriction to prevent commuter parking in the service roads on both sides of Oxford Road, but Mr Makepeace said it was not enough.

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Following the move, the force pledged to manage its parking to “minimise the impact” on residents.

County council leaders agreed to limit parking in the week to three hours from 10am to 2pm on most parts of the two service roads.

Plans were put forward in January to block parking on the eastern service road but were dropped following objections from the public.

Mr Makepeace, a retired NHS estates manager, said: “Police have parked in the service road on occasions – which is of course quite legal – and have partly blocked my drive so it has been difficult, but not impossible, for me to get my car out.

“The council has now limited parking to three hours between 10am and 2pm from Monday to Friday but I still don’t think this is enough.

“A residents’ parking zone all along the road would be the best option because it would be self-policing.

“The decision has now been made but I think there should have been a public meeting on this whole issue.”

Cabinet member for transport David Nimmo Smith, who approved the restriction, said: “Oxford Parkway station at Water Eaton could open next year for rail passengers so we needed to do something now to address the issue of commuter parking.Once the station opens more drivers will be trying to find ways of parking without paying.”

Mr Nimmo Smith added that the advisory white lines in front of residents’ driveways should be respected.

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Michael Makepeace

Thames Valley Police spokeswoman Connie Primmer said: “The force is aware that Oxfordshire County Council was considering proposals to restrict parking in Oxford Road, Kidlington.

“The local police responded to the proposals as part of the consultation process and raised no objections. The force will continue to manage its parking to minimise the impact on local residents.”

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