In a decision next week, Milton Keynes City Council is set to update its parking tariff charges in the city centre for the first time in almost 10 years, providing support for sustainable transport methods.
The change, which is planned to come into effect in March 2025, will ensure that rates are adjusted in line with inflation while remaining competitive with surrounding towns such as Northampton and Bedford.
The City Council’s plans will bring parking costs closer to the price of bus travel as part of the Labour authority’s broader commitment to encourage public transport use and reduce car dependency.
Changes would see:
· The two-hour minimum stay period in standard purple bays become £2.00 (currently £1.00) with the hourly rate thereafter remaining at 50p per hour.
· The one-hour minimum stay period in premium red bays become £2.50 (currently £2.00), with the hourly rate thereafter staying at £2.00 per hour.
E1 employee permit daily charge will cost £3.00 for a whole day (currently £2.80) or £2.00 for five hours (currently £1.40).
Removal of the car share permit and hotel permit due to applications falling by nearly 90% in the last five years.
The Labour City Council also plans to recommission MK Connect, in a separate decision being made next week. The current demand responsive passenger service contract is due to end in March 2025. The increase in parking charges will see more support for the transport system which provides a flexible option for residents not served by traditional bus routes.
The service has seen usage double in the last four years and is projected to account for 500,000 trips this financial year.
Cllr Lauren Townsend, Cabinet Member for Resources and Customer Experience said:
“This will be the first increase to parking in Central Milton Keynes in 10 years and will see tariff changes remain lower than neighbouring towns. 14 years of austerity under the previous Conservative government is catching up on local councils and authorities are under increasing financial pressure to maintain and improve essential services.
“This adjustment will allow the Labour Milton Keynes City Council to deliver and explore sustainable transport options for residents and support our growing MK Connect service.”
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