Milton Keynes City Centre Parking Tariffs to Change After 10 Years

Milton Keynes will make its first city centre parking tariff changes in over 10 years, starting in March 2025.

The new prices address rising costs due to inflation and align with those in similar areas. The changes also aim to promote sustainability by encouraging alternative transport options and improving public transport services. These updates represent a significant shift in how the city manages its parking and transport infrastructure.

Key Changes

• Purple Bays: Minimum stay cost rises to £2 for two hours.
• Red Bays: Minimum stay increases to £2.50 for one hour.
• Employee Permits: Daily and hourly rates for employee parking will see a slight increase.
• Permit Removal: Due to reduced demand, car share and hotel permits will be discontinued.

Boosting Sustainable Transport

The Labour-led City Council plans to recommission the MK Connect service, a demand-responsive transport system, with a decision on its continuation expected next week. The current contract for the service, which provides flexible travel options for residents in areas underserved by traditional bus routes, is set to end in March 2025.

Increased parking charges will provide vital funding for MK Connect, which has seen its usage double over the past four years. The service is projected to handle 500,000 trips in the current financial year, making it a key part of Milton Keynes’ sustainable transport infrastructure.

Council's Perspective

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."

The updated tariffs are designed to balance affordability for users with the city’s long-term environmental and economic goals, ensuring Milton Keynes remains a vibrant and accessible city for residents, visitors, and businesses.