Mayor's Free Parking Deal Starts This Weekend!
A ground-breaking deal to attract shoppers and visitors and provide a welcome boost for businesses starts this weekend in Bedford town centre.
The Mayor's Free Parking Deal offers free parking at all council-owned town centre car parks for up to two hours every Saturday, for the first time ever in Bedford Borough.
New measures to support the night time economy are also being introduced, with Queen Street to open 24/7 while Lurke Street will be open until half past midnight every Friday and Saturday night.
Lib Dem Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: "The message is loud and clear: Bedford is open for business.
"Two hours' free parking on Saturdays will boost local trade and encourage local residents and those from further afield to visit and spend money in Bedford town centre, including in the all-important run up to Christmas.
"At a time when many other town centres are struggling, we are investing to make Bedford a vibrant and busy town centre. In addition to the free parking, the late night opening of Lurke Street and Queen Street is designed to support the evening economy and provide convenient night time parking in the town centre.
"However, there is no room for complacency and other major projects including the brand new bus station, the heritage-based regeneration of Bedford High Street and the recently completed £6million redevelopment of The Higgins Bedford show Bedford Town Centre is well and truly open for business."
Car parks included in the Mayor's Free Parking Deal:
Multi storey car parks:
- Lurke Street
- Queen Street
- River Street
- Allhallows (bus station)
Surface car parks:
- Duckmill Lane
- Greyfriars
- Riverside Square
- St Peter's Street
- Town Hall
There is more information, including a map of town centre car parks and a Q&A on the Mayor's Free Parking Deal on Bedford Borough Council's website at www.bedford.gov.uk/parking