🚗 Bancroft Car Park – The Ultimate Hitchin SG5 1NJ Parking Guide
Secure, long-stay parking at Bancroft – 24/7 access, season tickets, EV charging, Blue Badge bays & a short stroll to Hitchin town centre.
🚗 Overview
Type: Surface Long-Stay Pay-&-Display (North Hertfordshire District Council)
Open: 24/7, year-round (no barriers)
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.0/5 (local traveller reviews)
💰 Tariffs & Permits
| Duration | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–1 hour | £1.40 | Latest tariff (April 2025) |
| 1–2 hours | £2.80 | |
| 2–3 hours | £4.20 | |
| 3–4 hours | £5.60 | |
| Over 4 hours | £7.00 | Maximum daily charge |
| Season Tickets | From £180/year | 1, 3, 6 or 12-month options; valid Mon–Sat, free Sunday |
| Blue Badge Holders | Free up to 3 h | Badge + clock displayed |
| Return Rule | No return within 1 h of exit during paid hours |
Payment Methods:
‘Check In/Check Out’ pay-and-display machines (card/contactless)
PayByPhone app (ticketless, remote exit validation)
Season Ticket Flexibility: Valid across Bancroft, Lairage Multi-Storey and Woodside Long-Stay car parks.
📊 Capacity & Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Bays | Approx. 350 marked bays |
| Disabled Bays | 12 oversized bays near entrance |
| Motorcycle Bays | 5 bays on peripheral island |
| EV Charging Points | 6 × 7 kW Pod Point chargers |
| Surface | Tarmac with high-visibility bay lines |
| Lighting | LED floodlights throughout |
| Security | CCTV at pay points; regular NHDC patrols |
| Overnight Parking | Permitted (park at owner’s risk; no barrier) |
♿ Accessibility
Blue Badge Bays: Clearly signed, free up to 3 h.
Drop-Off Zone: 10 min lay-by adjacent to ticket machines.
Pedestrian Routes: Level, flush-kerb crossings toward Bancroft and town centre.
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site: 6 Pod Point 7 kW chargers – pay per kWh via app or RFID.
Nearby:
Lairage Multi-Storey (2 × 50 kW rapid) – 8 min walk
Woodside Long-Stay (4 × 7 kW) – 10 min walk
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Approx. Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 07:30–09:30 | 95 % | London commuters |
| Weekdays 12:00–14:00 | 60 % | Town centre shoppers |
| Weekdays 17:00–19:00 | 90 % | Return commuters |
| Saturdays | 70 % | Hitchin Market visitors |
Pro Tip: A season ticket pays for itself in ~50 days if you park regularly.
🚶 Walkability & Connections
| Destination | Walk Time | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Hitchin Town Centre | 5 min | Shops, cafés, weekly market |
| Hitchin Station | 7 min | Thameslink & Great Northern rail services |
| Market Place Short-Stay Car Park | 2 min | Quick errands, under-1 h stays |
| Bus Stops (Brand St & Portmill) | 4 min | Local bus routes to surrounding villages |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
ATMs: Barclays, NatWest on Brand St (5 min)
Pharmacy: Boots on Brand St (5 min)
Food & Drink:
Wagamama & Costa (Market Arcade)
Local bakeries & delis on High St
Public Toilets: Market Place (fee applies)
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lairage Multi-Storey | 0.4 mi | £1.50/hr; £6/day | 24 h | Covered, rapid EV chargers |
| Woodside Long-Stay | 0.5 mi | £5/day | 24 h | EV charging bays |
| Nightingale Rd Short-Stay | 0.3 mi | £0.80/hr (2 h max) | 2 h | Cheaper quick visits |
⚠️ Important Notices
Enforcement: NHDC patrols 08:00–18:00 Mon–Sat; PCNs for overstays.
Machine Upgrades: New ticketless kiosks in service since Feb 2025.
Season Ticket Terms: Flexible across multiple district car parks.
📌 Expert Tips
Early Arrival: Beat the 07:30 rush for choice bays.
App Extensions: Use PayByPhone to top up remotely if meetings overrun.
EV Planning: Check Pod Point app for live charger availability during peak.
🔮 Future Developments
Late 2025: Addition of 4 rapid-charge EV bays and solar-powered payment kiosks.
2026: Rollout of ANPR pay-by-plate across all NHDC car parks.
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