Call for free parking at Milton Keynes Market to support local traders

Christopher Curtis, the Milton Keynes resident who started the petition said he has spoken to a number of traders who raised concerns about the removal of the free short-stay parking spaces around the market.

Christopher said: “The current standard purple parking tariff means that a customer wanting to make a quick visit to the market can face a £2 minimum charge for up to two hours.

“The traders I have spoken to believe this is having a significant impact on their businesses.”

Christopher said that one trader told him, “How can I compete with Tesco and Asda when they have free parking?”

But a spokesperson from the City Council said: “Milton Keynes City Council offers a range of cheap parking options for residents and visitors across the city, including the market.”

Christopher has written to the City Council asking them to review the situation and consider reinstating the free short-stay spaces.

When asked why he thinks the former short-stay parking spaces were removed, Christopher said: “I honestly don't know, and this is something I think Milton Keynes City Council should clarify.”

So far, Christopher’s petition for free short-stay parking has received 273 signatures.

He says he has also spoken to market traders, who are collecting signatures on a separate petition to address the parking issue.

Christopher added: “The aim is simply to make it easier for people to visit the market and support the independent traders and make sure this valuable, diverse and culturally rich part of Milton Keynes isn't lost forever.”