Convenient pay-and-display bays at Dunstable Market Square – flexible short-stay sessions, free evenings & Sundays, just steps from High Street shops, cafés & transport links in LU7 9EJ.
đźš— Type: On-Street Pay & Display (Central Bedfordshire Council Zone Standard)
🕒 Enforcement Hours: Monday–Saturday 8 am–6 pm; free outside these times and all day Sunday
đź’° Tariffs & Permits
Up to 30 minutes: ÂŁ0.80 (minimum session)
Up to 1 hour: ÂŁ2.10
Up to 2 hours (max for short-stay bays): ÂŁ2.80 (no return within 1 hour)
Up to 3 hours: ÂŁ3.80
Up to 5 hours: ÂŁ5.40
All-day (5–10 hours): £9.80
Blue Badge Holders: Free up to 2 hours (display badge & register via RingGo or pay machine)
📊 Capacity & Features
Approx. Bays: 20–25 marked on-street spaces lining Market Square
Surface: Smooth asphalt with clear white bay markings
Lighting: Street-lamp illumination after dark (outside enforcement hours)
Security: Covered by town-centre CCTV network
♿ Accessibility
Blue Badge holders may use any bay free of charge (up to 2 hours) by registering their badge at the machine or in the RingGo app
Drop-off lay-bys located at the north and south ends of Market Square for quick loading/unloading
🚌 EV Charging
No dedicated EV chargers on Market Square
Nearest public chargers:
Queensway Car Park (0.3 mi): 4 Ă— 7 kW Type 2 Pod Point bays
Bury Park Road Car Park (0.5 mi): 2 Ă— 22 kW rapid chargers
đź“… Peak Times & Occupancy
Weekday Mornings (9–11 am): 90 % occupied (shopper & commuter use)
Weekday Lunchtimes (12–2 pm): 75 % occupied
Saturday Mornings (10 am–1 pm): 95 % occupied (peak shopping period)
Pro Tip: Start your session close to 8 am to maximize your full short-stay allowance and avoid machine queues.
đźš¶ Walkability & Nearby Destinations
Dunstable High Street: on-site, direct access to boutiques & cafés
Dunstable Bus Station: 2 min walk for local & regional bus routes
Grove Theatre: 5 min walk for live performances & community events
Priory House Museum: 4 min walk for local history exhibitions
⚠️ Important Notices
Enforcement is strictly Monday–Saturday 8 am–6 pm; outside these hours parking is free but must remain within bay lines
Overstay or no-valid-session fines apply immediately when enforcement hours are active
Always display a valid ticket or active RingGo session to avoid penalties
📌 Expert Tips
Use the RingGo app to start, extend or end sessions remotely—no return visit to your car required
Blue Badge holders should register via app or machine for free parking up to 2 hours
Free evenings (after 6 pm) and all-day Sundays make great options for market or evening visits
đź”® Future Developments
2025: Council is trialling on-street EV charging bays in town-centre zones
2026: ANPR pay-by-plate pilot planned to replace machines and streamline payments