Bedford Borough Council freezes car park charges for fifth year in a row

There will be no increase in council car park charges from January 2022 thanks to the decision made by Mayor Dave Hodgson and colleagues. Commenting on this decision Mayor Dave Hodgson said "This is great news for our residents who have already been through so much in the last 18 months, freezing car park charges for the fifth successive year is one way in which the council can provide support."

This decision also includes the two hours free parking deal, which was introduced by Mayor Dave in 2013. As well as two hours free on Saturdays in council town centre car parks, Queen Street car park is free for the first two hours every weekday as well.

Mayor Dave added that "This decision will also provide a major boost to Bedford town centre, attracting shoppers to our local businesses. I know that local people want to see a town centre full of life and the free parking deal really helps, especially in the run up to Christmas. Providing affordable parking options incentivises our residents to shop locally helping to reduce the carbon impact."

The decision to freeze car park charges comes in stark contrast to the Conservative-run Central Bedfordshire council who are consulting on car park price rises of up to 50%.