Petition calls for free parking near Milton Keynes Market to help independent traders
Shoppers should be given free parking near Milton Keynes Market to help independent traders facing increasing costs compete with supermarkets, according to a petition.
The petition is calling on Milton Keynes City Council to consider reinstating up to 20 free short-stay spaces near the market for customers making quick purchases.
It claims the existing £2 minimum charge for up to two hours in standard purple bays can deter people who only want to stop briefly to buy fruit, vegetables or a few other items.
The petition argues that the charge puts independent traders at a disadvantage against major supermarkets and shopping centres where parking may be free.
The petition, started by Christopher Neame Curtis, had been shared more than 500 times when viewed.
It says: “For someone who simply wants to stop at the market, buy a few items and leave, having to pay £2 for a two-hour minimum stay can be a significant deterrent.
“This is particularly difficult for small independent traders who are competing with major supermarkets and retailers that can offer their customers free parking.”
The petition calls on the city council to consider reinstating approximately 15 to 20 free spaces in the immediate vicinity of the market.
Customers would ideally be allowed to park for 30 minutes without charge, although the petition suggests a free 15-minute period if the longer option is considered impractical.
It stresses that the proposal is not intended to provide free all-day parking.
Instead, the proposed spaces could be clearly signed and strictly time-limited, allowing shoppers to make short visits.
This, the petition states, would allow residents to buy fresh produce without paying the £2 minimum charge and make it more convenient to support local traders.
The petition also calls on the council to consult market traders and customers and review the scheme’s impact after six months.
The review would examine whether free short-stay parking had increased market footfall and benefited local traders.
The petition says: “This isn’t about politics.
“This petition is about Milton Keynes residents, shoppers and independent businesses.
“We believe that our traditional market should be given every reasonable opportunity to succeed.”
It adds: “Let’s support our local market and the independent traders who make it what it is.”
The petition follows changes to city-centre parking tariffs introduced in March 2025, the first in nearly a decade.
The minimum charge for up to two hours in standard purple bays doubled from £1 to £2, while the first hour in premium red bays rose from £2 to £2.50.
The increases faced opposition from Conservative councillors, who warned they could deter shoppers and harm businesses.
They said a petition against the changes attracted more than 900 signatures.
The council said at the time that it wanted to bring parking costs closer to bus fares and encourage greater use of public transport.
Council figures show that parking charges, permits and penalties generated almost £15.8 million in 2025/2026. The figures relate to on-street parking spaces in and around Central Milton Keynes.
After almost £3 million was spent running and enforcing the system, the council recorded a surplus of approximately £12.8 million.