Driver convicted of fraud for misusing CMK car share scheme

The scheme allows people pay a £30 flat rate - which covers an admin fee - each year, to park for free in the city centre, as long as they are sharing their car with at least one other person who is also employed in the city centre.

It aims to reduce the number of cars coming into CMK, reduce parking congestion and ultimately pollution – and each permit has to be renewed annually by completing a form which asks where the sharers are living and working and they all have to sign it.

However, city magistrates heard on March 8 how Debbie Williams, 48, claimed to be eligible for car share – even though her sharer had not worked in central Milton Keynes for more than two years, and she had stated she lived alone whilst claiming that she took her sharer from her home address.

The sharer was found to be serving a prison sentence when the application was made.

Ms Williams, of Bayard Avenue, Downs Barn, pleaded guilty to one count under the Fraud Act 2006, of making a false statement on her council run car share permit application.

Ms Williams received an 18 month conditional discharge, and was also ordered to pay £188.60 compensation, £200 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

An MKC Internal Audit Investigator said: “Milton Keynes Council will robustly pursue those people who commit fraud against the council in any guise.

“Where appropriate as in this case, we will prosecute anyone who tries to obtain financial advantage at the expense of the law abiding taxpayers of Milton Keynes.”