๐ Duckmill Lane Surface Car Park โ Complete Bedford MK42 0FU Guide
Affordable 24/7 parking on Duckmill Lane โ free weekends, Blue Badge welcome.
๐ Type: Surface Pay-and-Display (Council-managed)
๐ Open: 24 hours daily
๐ Rating: 4.1 / 5 (local feedback)
๐ฐ Pricing & Permits
MondayโFriday: Up to 2 h โ ยฃ1.80; overstay charges apply thereafter
Saturday: First 2 h free (ticket still required)
Sunday & Bank Holidays: Free all day (no ticket needed)
Blue Badge Holders: Free at all times (badge on display)
Payment Methods: Cash, card, RingGo mobile app
Season Tickets: Available via Bedford Borough Council for frequent users
๐ Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | 11 marked bays |
| Surface | Level tarmac with painted lines |
| Lighting | Single LED lamppost at entrance |
| Security | Occasional patrols; no CCTV |
| Height Restriction | None |
| Entry/Exit | Unbarriered; clear signage |
โฟ Accessibility
Disabled Bays: None on-site; nearest at Queen Street MSCP (7-min walk)
Level Access: Smooth tarmac throughout
Drop-Off Zone: Kerbside lay-by adjacent to entrance
๐ EV Infrastructure
On-Site Chargers: None
Nearest Options:
Queen Street Multistorey (2 ร 7 kW Pod Point; 7 min walk)
Allhallows MSCP (4 ร 7 kW; 10 min walk)
๐ Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 7โ9 AM | 60 % | Commuters |
| Weekdays 12โ2 PM | 40 % | Shoppers |
| Saturdays 10 AMโ4 PM | 80 % | Town visitors |
| Evenings after 6 PM | 20 % | Local residents |
Pro Tip: On busy Saturdays, try one of the nearby MSCPs for longer free parking.
๐ถ Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Bedford High Street | 7 min | Shops, cafรฉs & banking |
| River Street MSCP (toilets) | 5 min | Public toilets & changing places |
| Priory Country Park | 12 min | Riverside trails & green spaces |
| Bedford Station | 15 min | Thameslink services to London & beyond |
๐ Nearby Amenities
Essentials
Public toilets: River Street MSCP (5 min)
ATM: Post Office (St. Paulโs Square, 6 min)
Pharmacy: Boots (Harpur Centre, 7 min)
Food & Drink
The Embankment Cafรฉ (4 min): Riverside breakfasts
The Willow (5 min): Casual pub fare
Spice of Bengal (6 min): Award-winning curry
๐ ฟ๏ธ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allhallows MSCP | 10 min | Free 4 h Sat; ยฃ1.80โยฃ7.90 | 24 h | Covered, CCTV |
| Queen Street MSCP | 7 min | First 2 h free MonโSat; Sun free | 24 h | Blue Badge bays & toilets |
| Greyfriars Surface Lot | 8 min | ยฃ1.80 / h; ยฃ6 all day | 24 h | Low-cost day rate |
โ ๏ธ Important Notices
Ticket Display: Even during free periods, a valid ticket must be displayed.
Enforcement: Civil Enforcement Officers patrol dailyโpenalties apply for non-compliance.
Maintenance: Surface re-lining scheduled September 2025 (temporary bay closures).
๐ Expert Tips
Weekend Hack: Arrive after 6 pm Friday to enjoy free evening parking into Sunday.
Season Pass: Ideal for daily commutersโno need for repeated pay-and-display.
RingGo App: Top up remotely if your stay overruns the free allowance.
๐ฎ Future Developments
2025: Bedford Borough Council exploring on-street EV bays in MK42 zone.
2026: Potential installation of ANPR for cashless entry/exit across town car parks.
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