ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS SUGGESTED FOR COACH PARKING

1. In their objection to the experiment some respondents put forward alternative for accommodating tourist coaches:-

1. enhanced facilities and space at Oxpens Coach Park;
2. use of Worcester Street car park; and
3. use of the park and ride sites linked to the centre by shuttle buses.
   
   
2. Any enhancement of the existing facilities at Oxpens is unlikely to be made until the site is developed either as part of the rail station relocation or as a stand alone development.
3. Worcester Street car park is owned by Nuffield College but leased to the City Council. While it may be possible to negotiate a change of use there would be a substantial cost in terms of an annual rent. Also its construction is such that it would not take the weight of coach traffic and would need significant construction work to provide a viable alternative location.
4. The use of park and ride sites for the parking of coaches would require special parking areas to be provided for them. It is unlikely that having paid for the coach trip passengers would then be willing to transfer to another vehicle and pay for the journey into Oxford. This could of course be included as part of the package but would require operators to sign up to it. This would also require a seed change in the way that coach operators view Oxford as a short stay destination. It should also be borne in mind that most of the coaches are already full and are already being utilised in the most efficient way.
   
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