Bedford’s Lurke Street Car Park goes cashless to enhance customer safety and experience
Bedford Borough Council is announcing that Lurke Street Car Park will begin taking cashless payments only, from Monday 5 August 2024. A growing number of reports have been received of aggressive begging at the site. By removing the handling of cash, it is hoped that the site will become a less appealing target for those who have been intimidating users of the car park.
While most car park users currently choose to pay by card, the Council understands that some customers may still prefer to pay with cash. Cash payments will still be accepted at all other Bedford Borough Council car parks in the town centre.
Councillor Jim Weir, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said, “We’re committed to providing a safe and convenient parking experience for all our customers. Moving Lurke Street Car Park to cashless payments only, will make the site less attractive to those involved in aggressive begging. This is a trial and we’ll be monitoring its effectiveness.”
Bedford Borough Council understands the desire to help those in need. People interested in supporting the Bedford Homeless Partnership, can find out how at https://www.cvsbeds.org.uk/bedford-homeless-partnership/
The safety of car park users remains a top priority for the Bedford Borough Parking Services Team. CCTV cameras will continue to monitor the car park, and staff will maintain regular patrols to ensure a secure environment for everyone.
For more information about parking in Bedford Borough please visit www.bedford.gov.uk/Parking.
