Furious response as UK city centre announces it could scrap all free parking

A council in the Home Counties has sparked controversy with its latest proposal to get rid of all remaining free city centre parking spaces. The bold move follows Milton Keynes City Council's recent increase in minimum stay charges, which were introduced just four months prior. If the plans go ahead, all free and limited-waiting bays in central Milton Keynes will be converted into paid parking , including the standard tariff (purple) and premium tariff (red) bays that are currently in operation.

The Labour-led council opened a consultation on April 4, inviting residents of the Buckinghamshire city to voice their opinions before any final decisions are taken. However, the proposal has already faced backlash from opposition councillors, who argue that it could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of the community. Cllr Shazna Muzammil, the leader of the city's Conservatives, has described the plan as "another potentially devastating blow" for the heart of Milton Keynes, highlighting the potential impact on market traders, students, residents, and small business owners.



Council documents explaining the rationale behind the plan state. "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," reports the Mirror .

"This will be achieved by the alteration of a combination of parking restrictions and parking places." Locals have long been vocal about their discontent with the cost of parking in the city centre. A petition against increased charges garnered more than 1,200 signatures late last year.

At present, standard tariff bays are priced at £1 per hour for the first two hours, followed by 50p per hour. Premium bays cost £2.50 for the first hour, then £2 per hour, making them unaffordable for many residents.

Free bays are often used for brief errands, pick-ups, or local appointments, while commuters rely on them to offset escalating transport and living expenses. In recent years, Milton Keynes has witnessed a steady increase in charges, including council tax and parking permit costs. There are concerns that the city centre may become inaccessible to those on tighter budgets.

Local businesses have expressed 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 encourages public participation in the consultation, which is open to everyone.

Feedback must be submitted by April 24 before a final decision is made. Cllr Peter Marland, the Labour leader of Milton Keynes City Council, commented: "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." He continued: "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.

" Residents are encouraged to submit their comments in writing 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 TROteam@milton-keynes. gov.uk quoting reference TRO-420.

.