Car parking charges are set to rise across the city, although the cost of parking at the Westgate’s multi-storey will be pegged and reduced on Saturdays in a bid to help retailers.

A major review of parking tariffs in Oxford should also see parking charges introduced for the first time next to parks and green areas of the city.

The Walton Well Road car park at Port Meadow and the car park at Hinksey Park are among the sites that could see pay machines.

Charges are also set to be introduced at: Harbord Road, next to Cutteslowe Park; Alexandra Courts; Cutteslowe A40; Court Place Farm; Horspath Rec; and Marsh Rec.

The review of charging was undertaken by Oxford City Council amid growing concern about income from its 12 car parks.

Car park income for the current financial year was £3.215m, £302,000 below what had been expected.

Councillors have also been warned in a report to go to the city executive on Wednesday that the anticipated closure of the St Clements car park while it is developed for student accommodation could mean the loss of £220,000.

The report said that VAT increases and falling demand could leave the council facing a £700,000 reduction in car park income next year.

To encourage more use of the Westgate the city council plans to increase tariffs at the Worcester Street car park, which remains busy.

Charges at the Westgate, where, the report says, there continues to be “ample space” will stay the same, except on Saturday.

On Saturdays the cost will drop — for one to two hours from £5 to £4; for two to three hours from £7.50 to £6; and for three to four hours from £9.50 to £7.60.

No change in tariffs are proposed at Gloucester Green, Abbey Place and Oxpens car parks.

But significant rises are expected at the Headington and St Leonards car parks.

There are likely to be slight increases at the Ferry Pool, Summertown, Union Street and Barns Road car parks.