Milton Keynes parking zones - is there any logic?

[BanburyBlue]

Hi all,

We travel to Central Milton Keynes quite regularly, and I can't seem to see any logic for the red (premium) vs purple (standard) parking zones. Directly outside the shopping centre itself, it is all premium (I think) which I can understand (although not necessarily agree with the principle). But elsewhere it just seems a little random. For example, if you drive up Silbury Boulevard from the railway station towards the shopping centre, on the left it is mostly purple parking. But right at the top with the junction of Saxon Gate, there is a very short spell of red parking, before becoming purple again as you go around the corner into Saxon Gate.

Does anyone know how the council came up with the zones plan?

Thanks.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Yes, there is a logic. In normal times, standard rate is always full all day with commuters (to CMK). Interspersing a bit of premium rate with it (seemingly randomly) means that in any given part of the centre you will always be able to drive up and find a space at any time of day provided you're willing to pay a little extra (and this isn't likely to be swingeing as this is likely to be for short stays).

Also more premium nearer the shops to price-gouge shoppers.

It's been like that for years. Even when it was mostly free, there were still small sections of pay and display for that reason.

You've also got the "permit only before 0830" bits nearer the station to discourage rail commuters (as the station car park is more expensive).

 

[BanburyBlue]

Yes, there is a logic. In normal times, standard rate is always full all day with commuters (to CMK). Interspersing a bit of premium rate with it (seemingly randomly) means that in any given part of the centre you will always be able to drive up and find a space at any time of day provided you're willing to pay a little extra (and this isn't likely to be swingeing as this is likely to be for short stays).

Also more premium nearer the shops to price-gouge shoppers.

It's been like that for years. Even when it was mostly free, there were still small sections of pay and display for that reason.

You've also got the "permit only before 0830" bits nearer the station to discourage rail commuters (as the station car park is more expensive).

Thanks - makes sense.

 

[eMeS]

Before Covid, my free local centre car park (with the #7 MK station bus stopping close by) was very well filled on weekdays - I assume with commuters. Since then a new multi-storey carpark has been built close to the rail station, but last time I checked it was still out of use. Prior to this, and being retired, I found that the car-park at Bletchley had spaces after 10:00am, whereas all spaces close to CMK station were taken before 10:00am.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Before Covid, my free local centre car park (with the #7 MK station bus stopping close by) was very well filled on weekdays - I assume with commuters. Since then a new multi-storey carpark has been built close to the rail station, but last time I checked it was still out of use. Prior to this, and being retired, I found that the car-park at Bletchley had spaces after 10:00am, whereas all spaces close to CMK station were taken before 10:00am.

People don't park up in local centres and take the bus to the station in MK, it is just not a done thing.