🚗 Chapel Viaduct Car Park 1 – The Complete Luton Town Centre Parking Guide
Permit-only weekdays & weekend public parking at Chapel Viaduct – 57 secure bays minutes from Luton Station and The Mall.
🚗 Type: Surface Pay-and-Display & Permit Car Park (Luton Borough Council)
🕒 Open: 24/7 year-round
🌟 Rating: 4.3 / 5 (local user feedback)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Monday–Friday: Permit holders only
Quarterly permit: £295
Annual permit: £880
Saturday (08:00–18:00):
Up to 1 hour: £1.30
Up to 2 hours: £2.00
Up to 3 hours: £2.70
Up to 4 hours: £3.80
Up to 5 hours: £4.60
Sunday & Bank Holidays (08:00–18:00): Flat £1.70
Payment: Coins, contactless card or PayByPhone (Location ID: 802296)
Maximum Stay (weekends): 5 hours (enforced)
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | 57 marked bays |
| Surface | Tarmac (open & partially under viaduct) |
| Lighting | Partial (entrance & under-bridge sections) |
| Security | CCTV coverage; barrier-controlled entry |
| Height Limit | 2.0 m (6′6″) – clearance 11′9″ under viaduct |
♿ Accessibility
Disabled Access: Level surface throughout; no dedicated bays in Car Park 1
Nearest Adapted Parking: On-street Blue Badge bays on Stuart Street (100 m, 2 min walk)
Drop-Off Zone: Lay-by on Stuart Street directly outside entrance
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None
Nearest Options:
North Street Car Park (Pod Point): 6×7 kW AC – 0.3 mi (6 min walk)
Bute Street Car Park (CCS Network): 2×22 kW DC – 0.4 mi (8 min walk)
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Period | Occupancy | User Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays (permit holders) | ~90 % | Local businesses & commuters |
| Saturdays 10 AM–12 PM | ~80 % | Shoppers & theatre visitors |
| Saturdays 2 PM–4 PM | ~60 % | Mall diners & leisure groups |
| Sundays & Bank Holidays | ~50 % | Town centre visitors |
Pro Tip: Holders of weekend permits can pre-purchase via the council portal for priority bays.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Luton Station | 5 min | Mainline trains to London & Midlands |
| The Mall Luton | 4 min | Shopping, cinema & dining |
| St George’s Square Bus Station | 6 min | Local & regional bus connections |
| Luton Library & Town Hall | 3 min | Public services & public toilets |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
Essentials
Public Toilets: The Mall (ground floor) – 4 min
ATM: NatWest (Stuart Street) – 2 min
Pharmacy: Boots (The Mall) – 4 min
Food & Drink
Cote Brasserie (The Mall): French dining – 5 min
Rola Wala (St George’s Square): Indian street food – 6 min
Starbucks (Luton Station): Coffee & snacks – 5 min
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bute Street Car Park | 0.3 mi | £1.10/hr (M–F) | 10 h | EV charging & 200+ bays |
| The Mall’s Multi-Storey | 0.2 mi | £2.50/hr (max £12/day) | 24 h | Covered, CCTV & hotel validation |
| Regent Street NCP | 0.4 mi | £4.95 early bird | 24 h | 24/7 staffed, season tickets |
⚠️ Important Notices
Permit-Only Weekdays: Public parking enforcement strictly Mon–Fri; non-permit vehicles will be ticketed.
Weekend Time Limits: 5-hour maximum—no overstays.
Barrier Control: Single entry/exit per session; re-entry incurs new charge.
Vehicle Positioning: Park fully within bay markings to avoid fines.
📌 Expert Tips
Permit Planning: Apply for annual permits early to secure your space ahead of renewals.
Theatre Evenings: Arrive before 5 PM on Saturdays to avoid peak mall traffic.
Commuter Combo: Park here and walk to Luton Station for capped daily parking plus rail.
Weather Warning: Under-viaduct bays remain dry in rain—choose bays 1–10.
🔮 Future Developments
Late 2025: Council to trial ANPR for seamless permit validation.
2026: Proposed installation of 4 EV charging bays pending planning approval.
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