Milton Keynes City Council is set to remove all free parking spaces in Central Milton Keynes.
Conservative Councillors have slammed the Labour-run Milton Keynes City Council for “betraying residents and businesses with a hidden proposal to scrap all existing free parking spaces in Central Milton Keynes.”
This proposal was included within a consultation published on 4th April and includes the removal of all limited waiting parking spaces as well as the free parking spaces across Central Milton Keynes. It is proposed that these spaces be replaced by premium and standard tariff bays.
This change follows the Labour administration’s decision in November to hike parking charges in Central Milton Keynes, doubling the cost of the minimum stay. Over 1,250 residents signed a petition in opposition to this decision, urging the Council to consider the impact on small businesses and residents.
Conservative Group Leader Cllr Shazna Muzammil has deemed this ‘another potentially devastating blow’ to the community of Central Milton Keynes.
“Last year, Labour doubled the minimum parking stay, forcing people to pay more. Then, they doubled the price of that stay. Now, they are proposing to remove the last free parking spaces, hammering those who need them most—the market shoppers and stallholders, students, residents, the self-employed, and the people just trying to make a living.
“Our councillors spoke to many residents, visitors, students, shoppers, and shop owners in December when they were campaigning against increasing car parking charges. Workers who commute into CMK and small businesses, already struggling under soaring costs, depend on them for that small but vital saving—a saving that makes a huge difference at the end of the month. These spaces are also used by residents coming to pick up an item quickly or drop off their returns. It is not a luxury; they are a lifeline for the people who keep Milton Keynes running.”
Conservative Councillors say they are concerned that the Labour administration is gradually turning Central Milton Keynes into a place where only those who can afford to pay are welcome.
Over the last few years, the Labour-led Council have hiked council tax by the maximum each year, increased parking charges twice, increased the cost of parking permits for workers and now, are seeking to remove free parking altogether.
Conservative Group Leader, Cllr Shazna Muzammil, said:
"Labour is waging war on workers, businesses, and anyone who is already struggling with the cost of living. We call on the Labour administration to scrap this disgraceful proposal immediately. They cannot keep treating Milton Keynes like a cash machine."
Conservative Councillors are urging residents to make their feelings known and respond to the consultation prior to the deadline of the 24th April.
Cllr Muzammil finished “Milton Keynes belongs to everyone, not just those who can afford Labour’s never-ending taxes.”
