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Milton Keynes residents and businesses are reacting to a proposal by Milton Keynes City Council to introduce parking charges at all remaining free city centre parking locations. This initiative to remove all complimentary car parking in the city centre has generated considerable debate and is seen as potentially impactful for residents and businesses alike.
Parking Consultation Underway
A public consultation regarding parking fees initiated by the council began on April 4, providing Buckinghamshire residents an opportunity to express their views before final decisions are enacted. The proposed parking charges have already drawn criticism, with Conservative councillors raising concerns about the potential disproportionate impact on vulnerable individuals.
Concerns from Conservative Group
Councillor Shazna Muzammil, leader of the city’s Conservative group, described the proposal as “another potentially devastating blow” to the commercial and community vitality of central Milton Keynes. She emphasized the possible negative consequences for market vendors, students, local inhabitants, and independent business owners, asserting that affordable and accessible parking is essential, not simply a convenience.
Council Rationale and Public Discontent
According to official council documents, “The proposal is based on the results of the Council’s Strategic Review of Parking, a citywide initiative designed to assess parking pressures and to identify areas where parking controls would help to alleviate those pressures.”
The council states, “The proposal aims to manage parking availability and usage to the benefit of residents, businesses and their visitors. This will be achieved by the alteration of a combination of parking restrictions and parking places.”
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However, these justifications have not quelled public opposition. Community members have expressed significant dissatisfaction with escalating city centre parking fees, as evidenced by a petition garnering over 1,200 signatures following previous parking charge increases last year.
Currently, standard parking bays cost motorists £1 per hour for the initial two hours, subsequently decreasing to 50p per additional hour. Premium parking is priced at £2.50 for the first hour and £2 for subsequent hours, rates which have been criticized as prohibitively expensive for many regular users.
Impact on Residents and Businesses
The availability of free parking spaces has been considered vital for short visits, local appointments, and commuters facing rising transportation and living costs. The increasing cost of living in Milton Keynes, including council tax and parking permits, is a growing concern for residents.
A primary worry is that the city centre will become inaccessible to many individuals if parking charges are implemented across the board. Local businesses have echoed these concerns, fearing that high parking rates will deter customers. As one independent store owner in the city stated, “We rely on people being able to park easily and affordably.”
Council Leadership Response and Consultation Details
Council officials have affirmed that public feedback is welcomed during the current consultation period. Individuals wishing to provide comments or suggestions are asked to submit them by April 24 for consideration in the decision-making process.
Councillor Peter Marland, Labour Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, addressed the consultation, stating: “The current consultation aims to align a limited number of two-hour free parking spaces in the city centre, approximately 300 out of 21,000 overall, with the existing charging structure for the remainder of city centre parking. This includes areas previously serving a demolished food store.”
Justification and Financial Context
Councillor Marland emphasized Milton Keynes‘s strong retail sector, stating: “Milton Keynes is a leading shopping destination nationally, attracting over 20 million visits last year, a 1.5% increase, even as many other high streets face challenges. This is supported by brands like Apple, Harrods Beauty, SpaceNK, and Primark.”
He further contended that “Council standard bay parking spaces are priced around 83p per hour for a 3-hour stay, which is relatively inexpensive compared to most major city centres and private parking facilities within the city.”
While acknowledging budget pressures, Councillor Marland noted, “While not the primary motive for the consultation, like all councils, MK City Council faces significant budget challenges and must identify at least £34 million in savings over the coming years.”
He added, “The modest additional revenue generated from parking charges will assist the council in funding essential services such as pothole repairs, supporting public transport, and subsidizing bus fares at £2.20 per day for individuals up to 18 or those in training or education. There are no plans to implement charges for disabled parking spaces.”
How to Participate in the Parking Consultation
Individuals wishing to contribute to the parking consultation are encouraged to submit their comments in writing. Letters should be addressed to the Traffic Regulation Order Team, Milton Keynes Council, Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East, Central Milton Keynes MK9 3EJ.
Alternatively, email submissions can be sent to [email protected]. Please ensure to include the reference TRO-420 in all correspondence.