PEOPLE in East Oxford get the chance tomorrow night to quiz council officers over the controversial plans to bring in new parking restrictions.

Campaigners for and against a controlled parking zone (CPZ) in the Magdalen Road area will demand answers at Oxford City Council’s East Area Parliament.

Joy White, senior transport officer for Oxfordshire County Council, will be on hand to hear the views of the community.

Both sides in the argument have been leafleting homes and businesses in the area in a bid to win support.

People in favour claim a CPZ would make the roads safer and improve parking, but opponents say it would destroy trade and cause conflict between businesses and residents.

Michael Diliberto, of Giovanni’s Barber Shop, in Magdalen Road, said he expected a “lively” meeting.

He said: “I know there are a lot of people, both for and against the CPZ, heading down, so I think it could be quite a heated evening.

“We need as many people as possible to speak out against the plans.

“Without doubt, we will lose custom because people will not be able to park near the shop.

“They will only take being messed around for so long before they start going somewhere else.”

Barber Dennis Pratley launched campaign group East Oxford Against the CPZ in a bid to get the scheme thrown out.

He said: “There is so much anger towards these plans from so many people in the community.

“I may have to shut my shop in Hertford Shop after 41 years if this scheme goes ahead.

“It will rip the heart out of the community, and its only purpose is to supply the council with more money through fines and permits.

“People urgently need to get along to the meeting and make their voices heard.”

The county council approved a CPZ for the Magdalen Road area in October.

It began a fresh wave of consultation on November 20 after the Iffley Fields area was excluded from the scheme following a campaign by residents.

The meeting is at St Clement's Family Centre, in Cross Street, starting at 6.30pm.