Bedford Borough Council has announced more good news for Bedford Town Centre and local shoppers with the introduction of free parking on Sundays in all town centre car parks.

Free parking on Sundays in all Council-operated car parks will be implemented from 2 November, in time for the crucial Christmas period. This is the latest in a series of parking initiatives backed by the Council’s Executive to support shoppers and traders alike including the Free Parking Deal on Saturdays, 24-hour opening and four years of town centre car park charge freezes.

The Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: “There is already free on-street and surface parking on Sundays and this brings our multi-storey car parks into line. We want to encourage people to visit and enjoy Bedford Town Centre every weekend and to support a thriving town centre economy. Free Sunday parking across all Council car parks will be in place in time for the festive period and will continue all-year round.”

Council Executive member Cllr Sue Oliver supports the change and said: “This decision to extend free parking on Sundays to all Council car parks demonstrates that the Executive has listened to the wishes of local businesses and residents and acted upon them. It will support and encourage more residents and visitors to come into the town centre on Sundays, helping to promote and assist businesses.”