Huge UK city set to scrap all free parking in controversial new plans

A huge city in the centre of England is proposing to charge for all remaining free parking in its centre.

City Council has proposed scrapping all the remaining spaces in the in a bold move that comes after a hike in minimum stay charges, introduced just four months ago. Under the new plans, all free and limited-waiting bays in Central Milton Keynes would be replaced with paid options. These include standard tariff (purple) and premium tariff (red) bays already in use.

The council’s consultation opened on April 4, giving all residents the opportunity to share their views before a decision is made. Conservative councillors have already criticised the proposal, warning it could hit the most vulnerable the hardest.

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Leader of the city’s Conservatives, Cllr Shazna Muzammil, called the plan "another potentially devastating blow" to central Milton Keynes. She says it threatens market traders, students, residents and small business owners and warned it is not a luxury.

In a statement provided in council documents, it detailed a reason why the proposal is being considered. It reads: "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 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."

Residents have long expressed concerns about parking costs in the city centre. More than 1,200 people signed a petition in protest when charges were increased late last year.

Currently, standard tariff bays cost £1 per hour for the first two hours, then 50p per hour. Premium bays are £2.50 for the first hour, followed by £2 per hour, pricing many locals out of regular use. Many people rely on free bays to pop in for quick errands, pick-ups or local appointments. Workers commuting into CMK also say the current setup helps offset rising transport and living costs.

Milton Keynes has seen a steady rise in charges over recent years, with council tax and parking permit costs both climbing. Now, some fear the city centre could become inaccessible to those on tighter budgets.

Local businesses have echoed concerns that higher parking costs could deter shoppers. “We rely on people being able to park easily and affordably,” said one independent shop owner near the market.

The council says the consultation is open to everyone and encourages public participation. Feedback must be submitted by April 24 before a final decision is made.

'We are facing huge budget challenges'

Cllr Peter Marland, (Labour) leader of Milton Keynes City Council said: “The current consultation taking place is to align a small number of two-hour free parking spaces in the city centre, which includes areas that used to serve a food store that has recently been demolished, around 300 out of 21,000 overall, with the charges for the rest of the city centre parking.

"Milton Keynes is one of the major shopping destinations in the country with brands such as Apple, Harrods Beauty and SpaceNK alongside Primark attracting over 20million visits last year, an increase of 1.5%, while many other high streets struggle."

"Council standard bay spaces cost around 83p an hour for a 3 hour stay, which is relatively cheap in comparison to most other major city centres and privately owned car parking in the city. While not the main reason for the consultation, like all councils MK City Council is currently facing huge budget challenges and needs to find at least £34 million in savings over the next few years to keep going. The small amount of additional income raised will support the council by providing additional funding to repair more potholes, continue to support public transport and provide subsidised bus fares of £2.20 a day for those up to 18 or all those in training or education. We have no plans to charge for disabled spaces."

Comments are urged to be made in writing and sent to the council’s Traffic Regulation Order Team at Milton Keynes Council, Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East, Central Milton Keynes MK9 3EJ, or by email to quoting reference TRO-420.