Published: 01/09/2010 09:49 - Updated: 01/09/2010 10:31

MK Council must rethink its decision to scrap all free parking in the city.

 

The decision was taken at a meeting of the council’s executive scrutiny panel, which said the plan to drastically change car parking in the city must be reconsidered before being given the go ahead.

 

The panel, which considers any decision made by the council cabinet that is ‘called in’ by other councillors, stated a statutory consultation must be considered prior to agreeing any parking changes.

 

The report also said the final decision should be made in the interests of the entire city, by addressing its concerns regarding the potential impact on parking in residential areas and on the economic fortunes of the city.

 

Cllr John Bint, chairman of the panel, said: “We have referred the decision back with a complete critique of their process.

 

“So far, the cabinet haven’t considered the economic impact, the impact on shop assistants and the impact on nearby residential streets to thecentre:mk.

 

“They have to do all these before they make a decision.”

 

Cabinet member for transport, Vanessa McPake, said she would be presenting the same proposals at the next cabinet meeting on Tuesday, September 28.

She said: “I’ll be covering the issue of any overspill parking into the

surrounding estates and also the economic situation.”