Parking Tariff Changes in Milton Keynes City Centre

In March 2025, Milton Keynes City Council will implement new parking tariff changes - the first update in nearly a decade.

These adjustments aim to align parking costs with bus fares, encouraging greater use of public transport and supporting bus operators in enhancing services.

Updated Parking Charges

Key changes to parking tariffs include:

• Standard (Purple) Bays: A two-hour minimum stay will cost £2.00 (up from £1.00), with the hourly rate remaining 50p thereafter.
• Premium (Red) Bays: A one-hour minimum stay will cost £2.50 (up from £2.00), with the hourly rate staying at £2.00 thereafter.
• Employee Permit (E1): Daily rates will increase to £3.00 (up from £2.80), while a five-hour permit will cost £2.00 (up from £1.40).
• Removal of Permits: The car share and hotel permits will be discontinued due to declining usage - applications for car share permits have dropped by nearly 90% in the last five years.

Drivers using the RingGo service will retain the option to disable the 20p convenience fee for text notifications.

Encouraging Sustainable Transport

The adjusted tariffs are comparable to parking rates in cities such as Northampton and Bedford and are part of the council’s goal to increase sustainable transport usage.

Milton Keynes City Council aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, with public transport playing a crucial role in this objective.

MK Connect Renewal

In tandem with the parking changes, the city council plans to renew its contract for MK Connect, a demand-responsive public transport service.

MK Connect caters to residents without easy access to bus stops, offering rides that connect with existing bus routes.

• Usage Growth: MK Connect has facilitated approximately 500,000 trips this financial year, accounting for 6% of all public transport journeys in Milton Keynes—a figure that has doubled since its introduction four years ago.
• Service Continuation: The council’s decision ensures that MK Connect remains a vital component of the city’s public transport network, bridging gaps in access and convenience for residents.

These changes reflect Milton Keynes’ commitment to improving urban mobility while promoting eco-friendly and efficient transport options for residents and visitors alike.