Calls for trial to crackdown on 'dangerous' parking across Milton Keynes
A six-month parking crackdown could be launched across parts of Milton Keynes after repeated complaints about vehicles blocking pavements and putting pedestrians at risk.
The proposed trial would bring increased patrols, repeat visits to problem streets and targeted enforcement against persistent offenders.
Evening and weekend patrols could also be deployed where evidence shows they are needed.
Cllr Ray Blackman, a Reform UK councillor for Bletchley Park and Fenny Stratford, has submitted a motion arguing that obstructive, dangerous and inconsiderate parking remains a persistent concern across both communities.
Reported hotspots include Queensway, Victoria Road, Denmark Street, Aylesbury Street, Leon Avenue, Bedford Street, Vicarage Road, Princes Way, Paddock Way and Chandos Place.
The motion warns that vehicles blocking pavements, dropped kerbs and crossings can prevent people from completing journeys safely or force them into the road.
It says the problem disproportionately affects disabled people, wheelchair and mobility-scooter users, visually impaired people, older residents, parents with pushchairs and children travelling to school.
Badly parked vehicles may also restrict visibility or impede ambulances, fire engines, refuse lorries and other essential vehicles.
The motion says existing enforcement has resulted in a “significant number” of penalty charge notices across Bletchley and Fenny Stratford.
However, it argues that individual fines have not produced sufficient or lasting changes in drivers’ behaviour.
If councillors approve the motion, the council’s cabinet member for transport would be asked to consider establishing a six-month trial as soon as reasonably practicable.
Priority locations would be selected using residents’ and councillors’ reports, previous enforcement activity, repeat offences, accessibility risks and difficulties experienced by essential services.
The trial could include varied patrols, visits at different times and targeted action against repeated contraventions.
Milton Keynes City Council, its parking contractor and Thames Valley Police would also be asked to establish coordinated referral arrangements.
Clearer public information would explain which offences are handled by the council, which should be reported to police and what evidence residents must provide.
The motion says awareness activity could take place before or alongside intensified enforcement where appropriate.
Any surplus raised through increased parking fines would, where legally permitted, be ring-fenced to fund the trial’s staffing and operating costs.
The scheme would be assessed using patrol and fine figures, repeat offending, reports of blocked routes and feedback from residents and accessibility representatives.
An interim report would be provided after three months, followed by a full evaluation examining whether improvements lasted and whether problems moved into neighbouring streets.
That assessment would consider whether the model should be continued, changed or expanded elsewhere in Milton Keynes.
The proposal has not been approved and only asks the cabinet member to consider establishing the trial, subject to the necessary operational arrangements.