Bedford Borough Council has confirmed that the town centre’s four-hour free parking offer will be suspended from Sunday, 3 November 2025, as part of efforts to balance its budget amid what officials describe as a “challenging financial climate.”
The scheme, which has run in the Allhallows and Lurke Street multi-storey car parks since 2023, was introduced in a bid to support town centre recovery and encourage longer visits to shops, markets, and cultural venues.
Financial pressures
Following a financial review of discretionary spending, the council said the temporary suspension will save around £150,000 this financial year and £395,000 in 2026/27.
Read: Report says Bedford Borough Council must take urgent action to avoid bankruptcy
The move comes after a report by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) warned earlier this year that Bedford Borough Council was at “significant risk” of running out of money unless urgent steps were taken to stabilise spending and rebuild reserves.
The report outlined that “strong political and managerial leadership” would be needed to achieve financial recovery and avoid government intervention.
Adding that “politically unattractive decisions” will be unavoidable if the council is to close a medium-term funding gap of £33m by 2029/30.
Town centre commitment
Cllr Andrea Spice (Conservative, Wixams), Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning and Prosperity, said Bedford’s town centre remains a priority for regeneration and business growth.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Read: Mayor pauses four-hour free parking scheme amid Bedford Borough Council financial pressures
Free parking options
The council said it remains committed to supporting town centre businesses, with shorter free-parking periods still in place:
- Two hours free parking at Queen Street Car Park, Monday to Saturday
- Free parking every Sunday in all council-owned town centre car parks
- Two hours of free parking every Saturday in council-owned town centre car parks
- Free parking between 6pm and 8am in Allhallows, Lurke Street, and Queen Street multi-storey car parks (note: Queen Street opens 6am–10pm)
Cllr Nicola Gribble (Independent, Renhold and Ravensden), Portfolio Holder for Environment, said the council recognises the popularity of the four-hour offer but must prioritise essential services.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
For more information about parking in Bedford Borough, including details of car parks, permits, Blue Badges and electric vehicle charging points, visit bedford.gov.uk/parking.
Public transport information is available at bedford.gov.uk/BusInfo.
