🚗 NCP Ashburnham Road – Complete Bedford Parking Guide
Secure, 24/7 multi-storey parking next to Bedford Station – ideal for commuters, shoppers & riverbank strolls.
🚗 Type: Paid Multi-Storey Car Park
🏛️ Jurisdiction: NCP (privately managed)
🕒 Open: 24 hours daily
🌟 Rating: 4.4/5 (average of Google and NCP user reviews)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Tariff (Mon–Sun):
Up to 1 h: £1.90
1–2 h: £3.70
2–4 h: £6.10
4–10 h: £9.50
Over 10 h/day rate: £11.50
Payment: Pay-by-plate machines (card, contactless) or NCP app
Permits: NCP season tickets (monthly/annual)
Blue Badge Holders: Free parking in designated bays (display badge & register)
Future Changes: No planned tariff rises; exploring season-ticket discounts for off-peak users
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~320 marked bays |
| Surface | Multi-storey concrete decks |
| Lighting | Full LED throughout |
| Security | 24/7 CCTV, secure entry barriers |
| Height Limit | 2.1 m (6 ft 10 in) |
♿ Accessibility
Designated Bays: 12 Blue Badge bays on Ground and Level 1
Nearest Adapted Parking: Town Centre Multi-Storey (100 m) with additional bays
Drop-Off Zone: Short-stay layby immediately outside entrance
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: 6×7 kW Pod Point Type 2 units (pre-booking via Share&Charge)
Nearest Rapid Chargers:
Bedford Station forecourt – 4×50 kW CCS/CHAdeMO (2 min walk)
Sainsbury’s Oakley – 3×22 kW Pod Point (3 mi, 8 min drive)
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Typical Occupancy | User Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday 07:00–09:00 | ~95% | Commuters |
| Weekday 12:00–14:00 | ~60% | Shoppers & café visitors |
| Weekday 16:00–18:00 | ~80% | Station pick-ups/drop-offs |
| Weekends 10:00–16:00 | ~70% | Leisure & market guests |
Pro Tip: Book via the NCP app to guarantee a space during weekday rush hours.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Bedford Station | 1 min | East Coast Main Line & Thameslink services |
| Harpur Centre Shopping | 5 min | Indoor mall with shops & eateries |
| River Great Ouse Promenade | 3 min | Scenic riverside walk & picnic spots |
| Bedford Town Centre | 7 min | High Street, markets & historical sites |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
Public Toilets: Station concourse (wheelchair-accessible)
ATM: Nationwide (inside station) & Barclays (Town Centre)
Pharmacy: Boots (Harpur Centre, 5 min walk)
Food & Drink:
Caffè Nero (station forecourt)
The Broadway Café (Harrodian Lane, 4 min walk)
Riverbank Bistro (Embankment, 5 min walk)
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Town Centre Multi-Storey | 100 m (2 min) | £1.80–£9.00/day | 24 h | Additional Blue Badge bays |
| Queen’s Park Avenue (on-street) | 0.3 mi (6 min) | £1.20/h (max 6 h) | 6 h | Cheaper short-stay option |
| Riverside Car Park (surface) | 0.4 mi (8 min) | £2.50/day | 24 h | Scenic riverside location |
⚠️ Important Notices
Overstay Penalties: Strict enforcement; Penalty Charge Notice £70 (discounted if paid promptly)
Event Days: Expect limited availability during Riverside Festival & Bedford River Festival
Height Restriction: 2.1 m limit; oversized vehicles risk rejection at barrier
📌 Expert Tips
Early-Bird Deal: Arrive before 07:00 for best chance of ground-floor bays.
Monthly Pass Hack: Off-peak season tickets (after 10:00) save up to 30%.
Riverwalk Shortcut: Exit on Level 2 to step directly onto the riverside path.
🔮 Future Developments
2025: Installing real-time space-availability sensors linked to the NCP app.
2026+: Exploring addition of rapid EV points under Bedford Borough’s green transport plan.
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