An increasing number of residents have commuters, not always from the Bletchley area, parking outside their homes rather than paying for parking at the railway station. This is particularly a problem in Sherwood Drive (where office parking is also insufficient), Whalley Drive and Church Green Road which also leads to traffic congestion which is hazardous for residents, pedestrians and the emergency services.
Consultation in relation to the West Bletchley Neighbourhood Plan acknowledged that there is a lack of adequate parking provision in our area – parking is the most frequently raised topic by BPARA members and at the Community Forum meetings held by Thames Valley Police. At the last Forum meeting, a Parking Sub-Committee was set up and BPARA subsequently requested that West Bletchley Council recognise this Sub-Committee at the Planning & Environment meeting held on 29 April and work with residents to tackle parking issues.
BPARA also requested a Parking Review – the last was held 10 years ago. With the advent of East/West Rail and new housing developments such as Salden Chase, and current lack of parking provision for College students, churchgoers and patrons of businesses such as the Eight Belles public house, the parking situation must be resolved.
However, in the meantime, in conjunction with Milton Keynes Council, West Bletchley Council has decided to proceed with a Parking Survey in part of our area and you will shortly receive details. The most cost effective option with least inconvenience to residents is Option 3 – implementation of a 2 hour limit on parking between the hours of 11 and 1 on weekdays.
Download 15 min parking zone analysis here
This is the first stage of the parking review – Milton Keynes Council would need to see a 70% return rate with 50% in favour of a particular option before they would consider carrying out a further formal consultation with residents. Please respond even if you do not support any of the 3 options available to ensure at least a 70% return rate.
