🚗 Duckmill Lane Surface Car Park – Complete Bedford MK42 0FU Guide
Affordable 24/7 parking on Duckmill Lane – free weekends, Blue Badge welcome.
🚗 Type: Surface Pay-and-Display (Council-managed)
🕒 Open: 24 hours daily
🌟 Rating: 4.1 / 5 (local feedback)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Monday–Friday: Up to 2 h – £1.80; 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
📊 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 |
♿ 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
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Chargers: None
Nearest Options:
Queen Street Multistorey (2 × 7 kW Pod Point; 7 min walk)
Allhallows MSCP (4 × 7 kW; 10 min walk)
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 7–9 AM | 60 % | Commuters |
| Weekdays 12–2 PM | 40 % | Shoppers |
| Saturdays 10 AM–4 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.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Bedford High Street | 7 min | Shops, cafés & 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 |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
Essentials
Public toilets: River Street MSCP (5 min)
ATM: Post Office (St. Paul’s Square, 6 min)
Pharmacy: Boots (Harpur Centre, 7 min)
Food & Drink
The Embankment Café (4 min): Riverside breakfasts
The Willow (5 min): Casual pub fare
Spice of Bengal (6 min): Award-winning curry
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allhallows MSCP | 10 min | Free 4 h Sat; £1.80–£7.90 | 24 h | Covered, CCTV |
| Queen Street MSCP | 7 min | First 2 h free Mon–Sat; Sun free | 24 h | Blue Badge bays & toilets |
| Greyfriars Surface Lot | 8 min | £1.80 / h; £6 all day | 24 h | Low-cost day rate |
⚠️ Important Notices
Ticket Display: Even during free periods, a valid ticket must be displayed.
Enforcement: Civil Enforcement Officers patrol daily—penalties apply for non-compliance.
Maintenance: Surface re-lining scheduled September 2025 (temporary bay closures).
📌 Expert Tips
Weekend Hack: Arrive after 6 pm Friday to enjoy free evening parking into Sunday.
Season Pass: Ideal for daily commuters—no need for repeated pay-and-display.
RingGo App: Top up remotely if your stay overruns the free allowance.
🔮 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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