Visitors to Bedford town centre should get at least 2 hours free parking every day according to Bedford Borough Council’s Conservative councillors.
Conservative Group Leader Cllr Stephen Moon says the current 2 hour free parking initiative on Saturdays should be extended to weekdays in a move which would be a ‘huge boost’ to businesses and shoppers.
The policy announcement follows a 2 year campaign by Conservative councillors for cheaper parking in Bedford due to concerns that high prices are driving motorists to competitor towns. The typical 2 hour charge for parking in Bedford is £1.60, while in Milton Keynes it is just £0.80 and Central Bedfordshire Council has a range of car parks with 2 hour charges that are free or £1.
The campaign has already forced the Mayor’s hand in introducing the 2 hour free parking initiative on Saturdays while he recently agreed to the Conservative plan to reverse his £1 charge on Sundays even though he and his Lib /Lab administration voted in January to reject the proposal.
However, Cllr Moon thinks the Council should go much further. He said:
‘The Mayor has seen car parking as an opportunity to use motorists as a cash cow. He has introduced 41 parking charge increases including a rise in the 2 hour charge to £1.60 which is double the amount payable in Milton Keynes’ car parks. This has hit motorists in the pocket and driven them into the arms of competitor towns, out of town retailers and internet shopping.
‘Providing 2 hours free parking every day for shoppers would provide a huge boost to the town centre by showing that Bedford is open for business every day of the week.’