Call for council to look again at overnight parking charges that will 'harm Bedford venues'

Councillor Henry Vann, the leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, told last night’s Executive Meeting (Monday, January 26) that he had been contacted by residents and businesses.

“I’m sure many of us have been contacted,” he said.

“The new evening parking charges that have been introduced are risking deterring people from coming into Bedford in the evenings, and will harm local venues and the evening economy if they continue.

“Will you reconsider these new charges?” he asked Bedford’s mayor.

The request came just one week after Bedford Today reported how driver Louise Ward had been stung by a £5.90 charge for staying at River Street car park for just one-and-a-half hours.

She had parked between 7.33pm and 9.09pm while eating at the Miller & Carter restaurant and expected to pay the usual tariff of £2.70 for up to two hours – but was shocked to see the final sum.

We contacted Bedford council for a response – but they did not respond to us.

Mayor Tom Wootton told the meeting the council was aware of the concerns and confirmed the matter would be looked at during upcoming budget discussions.

“But as you well know, the financial problems of this council are many and legion and don’t leave a lot of room for anything but hard-nosed answers,” he said.

Councillor Vann highlighted what he described as a flaw in the new charging structure.

“If someone parks at River Street at 5.45pm at the moment and leaves at 8.15pm, they now pay £5 for the up to three hours, but then an extra £4 overnight fee appears instantly after staying, maybe just one minute after 8pm the overnight charge hits,” he said.

“People and residents have been hit by that and it’s shocked and angered many.

“And that’s after a 25 per cent increase over the last two years.”

Mayor Wootton confirmed that the council will look at the points raised by councillor Vann.