Long-standing “illegal” pavement parking in a town has sparked discussions about barriers being introduced to combat the issue.
Bletchley Park ward councillor Allan Rankine raised the matter of “systemic” problems along Queensway during a full Milton Keynes Council meeting, saying action is needed “now”.
He said he also knew of “near misses” between vehicles and pedestrians because of the erratic parking situation, and that there is a real “safety issue”.
Cllr Rankine said residents do not have formal means to report rogue parkers in problem “hotspots”.
Cllr Lauren Townsend said she recognised the issue, that talks with relevant authorities would go ahead in February, and that “barriers” and “increased enforcement” were some of the measures currently being considered. She added she would also look to “streamline” the complaints system for residents.
Cllr Townsend: “I just discussed this in my briefing with the head of highways. As a Bletchley councillor, I get complaints around Queensway…about illegal parking in the area.
“Highways officers have been sent out to assess the area and to come up with plans as to how we can help prevent this moving forwards.
“There are meetings planned. They were unfortunately postponed due to Covid over the last few months, but I’m pretty sure they’re due to go ahead in February. This is with the town and parish councils.
“I know ideas are being floated from barriers, to increased enforcement – and we are talking about increased enforcement already and having that on a random basis.”
The Head of Highways, Mr Graham Cox, from Milton Keynes Council has been invited to attend the Town Council’s next Full Council meeting to discuss parking in Bletchley.
This comes as last week, Bletchley and Fenny Town Council released the following statement:
"Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Town Council wishes to reassure its residents that it recognises and is working with partner organisations about the ongoing issue of parking in our area, especially in Queensway.
"Maintenance and enforcement of the highways is the responsibility of Milton Keynes Council. The Head of Highways, Mr Graham Cox, from Milton Keynes Council has been invited to attend the Town Council’s next Full Council meeting on Tuesday 15th February to discuss parking in Bletchley and members will represent residents’ views. As always, residents are welcome to attend and make representations at Town Council meetings.
"The Town Council would also like to encourage its residents to take the opportunity to share and record their views in the upcoming and ongoing surveys taking place about our local area."
Residents can have their say via the Central Bletchley Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) survey and the Town Council's Annual Survey.
There will be a Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Neighbourhood plan survey coming up in the near future.
READ MORE: Parking issues in Milton Keynes town set to be discussed
