Bedford Borough Council will be suspending the popular four-hour free parking offer in both Allhallows and Lurke Street multi-storey car parks from Monday, 3rd November 2025. This decision comes after a financial review of discretionary spending as part of the Council’s efforts to manage its budget in a challenging economic climate.
The four-hour free parking scheme, introduced to support local businesses and cultural sites by encouraging longer visits to the town centre, has seen encouraging results with increased footfall and positive feedback from visitors and traders. However, due to the Council’s current financial position, the scheme will be suspended to help deliver savings estimated at £150,000 in 2025/2026 and approximately £395,000 in the following full financial year.
Cllr Nicola Gribble, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said, “We recognise the convenience the four-hour free parking scheme has offered to town centre visitors and the positive impact it had on local businesses during its run. However, balancing the Council’s finances is essential to continue providing vital services to our residents. We are pleased that free parking for the first two hours at Queen Street and free parking every Sunday across town centre car parks will remain, helping residents and visitors alike. We also encourage everyone to explore sustainable travel options, including walking, cycling, and public transport, when visiting Bedford.”
While the four-hour free parking at these two car parks pauses, there are still convenient and cost-effective parking options available across Bedford town centre. Residents and visitors can benefit from:
- Two hours of free parking at Queen Street Car Park, Monday to Saturday
- Free parking in all council-owned town centre car parks every Sunday
- Two hours of free parking every Saturday in council-owned town centre car parks
- Free parking, 6pm-8am, in Allhallows, Lurke Street and Queen Street multi-storey car parks – be aware Queen Street is open 6am-10pm while the other two are open 24 hours a day.
Drivers are encouraged to take advantage of these options and support town centre businesses.
Cllr Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning and Prosperity, added, “While it’s disappointing that the four-hour free parking scheme has been suspended, we remain fully committed to supporting Bedford’s town centre and local businesses. Bedford has so much to offer – great shops, markets, entertainment, restaurants, cafes, cultural attractions, and all sorts of events – and we’ll continue working with local traders and partners to bring more people into town.”
For more information about parking in Bedford Borough, including details of council-owned car parks, controlled parking zones, parking permits, Blue Badges, and electric vehicle charge points, please visit www.bedford.gov.uk/parking
Information about public transport in Bedford Borough can be found at www.bedford.gov.uk/BusInfo
