Shoppers bypass Oxford’s £5 congestion charge by heading to Didcot’s Orchard Centre, which offers free evening parking and improved amenities.

Shoppers in Oxford aiming to avoid a new £5 daily congestion charge on six city centre roads are being directed to Didcot’s Orchard Centre as an alternative. Former mayor Mocky Khan promoted the centre’s retailers, dining options, and free after-7pm parking—restored after local MP Olly Glover’s intervention. The 875-space car park uses ANPR cameras, and recent upgrades include new CCTV. Khan also called for widening Hitchcock Way to ease traffic bottlenecks, though no action has been taken.