Parking charges scrapped in chaotic u-turn

Following a question by Cllr Henry Vann at yesterday’s Council Executive Committee, overnight and evening parking charges will now be dropped.

Residents and businesses were shocked and angry at the sudden no-warning introduction of Sunday, evening and overnight parking charges in the town’s car parks on January 1st. The Mayor initially called the Sunday charges a “discrepancy” and said Sunday would no longer be charged for, but there was genuine confusion about whether or not evenings and overnight parking would now be charged. Town centre machines were still accepting payment yesterday evening (8th January). 

Cllr Vann said: “I am delighted that the Conservatives have u-turned on this outrageous decision. The introduction of evening and overnight parking charges had already caused many small businesses to seriously worry about their incomes in January. Residents will be relieved that they can continue to eat at one of Bedford’s great restaurants of an evening, or visit music venues, and not worry about a parking ticket. 

“Why on earth did it have to take me asking a question at an Executive meeting before they u-turned on this? This whole episode has been handled appallingly. Chaos under the Conservatives just seems to be getting worse.”

It is not yet clear when the charge will be removed, so please continue to follow the signs at car parks.