Liberal Democrats Challenge Parking Policy

4.24.26pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 9th Oct 2006

At a full meeting of Milton Keynes Council on 10th October, Liberal Democrat cabinet member Councillor Chris Williams will ask the Council to urge the Government to change its policy on the amount of parking space that can be provided in residential areas.

Chris Williams said: "The Government's policy is far too restrictive and means there is little room for residents to park their cars outside their own homes. It is unfair to the residents of Milton Keynes, especially those in the new city areas. The Government must listen to local residents and councils across the country.

"The Government rules specify the maximum number of residential parking spaces that can be provided and this causes many problems. The Liberal Democrats are already looking at ways to prevent cars from being parked on verges and pavements but this must be done in conjunction with providing more spaces for cars to park. Otherwise, how can residents win? Where are they supposed to park their cars?

"Central government has publicly acknowledged the failure of the policy, and almost 400 local authorities have expressed a view that the policy has failed."