Westgate on plans to expand crowded car park
The car park at the city shopping centre has been filling up for several days so far this summer, according to Oxfordshire County Council.
So far this month, the council has reported Westgate's car park as being full six times – all before schools have even broken up.
And traditionally, the 1,000-space car park is full around Christmas time too with many people buying gifts for family and friends at the facility.
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We asked Westgate whether it has any plans to expand its car parking capacity or even build another one to accommodate the vast number of shoppers arriving by car.
In response, a Westgate spokeswoman said: 'We work closely with [[Oxfordshire County Council]] to manage traffic around the centre and have a transport plan in place, which includes measures to pre-empt higher volumes of [[traffic]] than usual.
'We encourage visitors to use public transport options where possible, especially during the current local road closures, with details available on our website.'
⛔️WESTGATE CAR PARK FULL The @WestgateOxford car park is full. Please use your nearest Park & Ride: https://t.co/YvQTOd1hgL #Thornhill - OX3 8DP #Redbridge - OX1 4XG #Peartree - OX2 8JF #OxfordParkway - OX2 8HE #Seacourt - OX2 0HP #OxonTravel pic.twitter.com/npoEj4Wyoe
— OxonTravel (@OxonTravel) July 12, 2025
When the car park is full, it causes issues for drivers in the area being stuck in tailbacks along Abingdon Road.
Westgate has not publicly offered its opinion on the plans for a congestion charge in the city which would affect access to the car park.
Under the plans, drivers would have to pay £5 to drive in Thames Street, where the Westgate car park entrance and exit is, on top of Westgate's parking charges.
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