? Type: Public Pay & Display Car Park (Uttlesford District Council)
? Open: Enforcement 08:00–18:00 Mon–Sat; free evenings (18:00–08:00), all day Sunday & Bank Holidays
? Rating: N/A (council-run facility)
? Pricing & Permits
Tariffs (Mon–Sat, 08:00–18:00):
Up to 30 min: £0.50
Up to 1 h: £1.00
Up to 2 h: £1.80
Up to 4 h (max stay): £3.00
Payment Methods:
Pay & Display machines (coins, contactless card)
Pay-by-App: RingGo (zone code 83850)
Resident Permits: Zone SW permit £60 / year (unlimited stays during enforcement hours)
Season Tickets: Weekly permit £8 (valid any enforcement day)
? Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~75 bays |
| Disabled Bays | 5 marked bays (free for Blue Badge holders) |
| Parent & Child Bays | 3 extra-wide bays near pedestrian exit |
| Surface | Level tarmac with bay lining refreshed 2022 |
| Lighting | LED floodlights on perimeter (08:00–18:00 hours) |
| Drainage | Channel drains; cleared bi-annually |
| Security | CCTV coverage; routine council patrols |
| Signage | Digital tariff board & zone map at entrance |
♿ Accessibility & Adapted Facilities
Blue Badge Bays: Five bays adjacent to pay machines—free with badge displayed
Drop-Off Zone: Kerbside pull-in by entrance for quick unloading
Kerb Ramps: Tactile-paved ramps to Park Lane pavement
Pathways: Smooth 2 m-wide route to Market Square and leisure park
? EV Infrastructure & Nearby Options
On-Site Charging: None installed
Planned (2025): Feasibility study for 4×7 kW chargers in southwest corner
Nearest Live Chargers:
Market Square Car Park: 2×7 kW, 4 min walk
Audley End Station: 4×22 kW rapid, 6 min drive
? Live Demand Patterns & Seasonal Variations
| Period | Occupancy | User Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 08:00–10:00 | 80 % | Commuters & shoppers |
| Weekdays 12:00–14:00 | 60 % | Lunch-time visitors |
| Weekdays 16:00–18:00 | 70 % | Evening appointments |
| Saturdays 10:00–14:00 | 90 % | Market-day crowds |
| Sundays & Bank Holidays | 35 % | Leisure visitors |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 09:00 on Saturdays to secure a bay for market shopping.
? Walkability & Local Links
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Saffron Walden Market Square | 3 min | Weekly market, shops & cafés |
| Saffron Walden Leisure Park | 5 min | Pool, gym & sports facilities |
| Bus Stop (Park Lane) | Adjacent | Routes to Cambridge & Stansted Airport |
| Audley End House & Gardens | 10 min | National Trust estate & events |
? Nearby Amenities & Services
Essentials
Public Toilets: Leisure Park foyer (free during opening hours)
ATM: Lloyds (Market Square, 3 min)
Pharmacy: Boots (Market Square, 4 min)
Food & Drink
The Swan Inn (1 min): Pub dining & local ales
Park Lane Café (adjacent): Coffee & light bites
Mango Tree (5 min): Indian takeaway & dine-in
?️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market Square CP | 4 min | £1.00/hr; £6/day | 24 h | EV charging & central location |
| Church Street On-Street (Zone SW) | Adjacent | £0.30/20 min; 2 h max | 2 h | Short-stay flexibility via app |
| Audley End Station CP | 6 min dr | £0.50/hr; £3 max day | 24 h | Rapid chargers & rail link |
⚠️ Important Notices & Byelaws
Enforcement: 08:00–18:00 Mon–Sat by council officers; off-hours CCTV
Overstay Penalty: £70 PCN (reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days)
Towing Risk: Unauthorized vehicles may be towed at owner’s expense
Maintenance: Quarterly surface & drainage inspections (next due Oct 2025)
? Expert Tips
Market Days: Early arrival secures bays; post-12 noon fill rate exceeds 90 %.
Blue Badge Holders: Park free in any disabled bay—no need to hunt.
Leisure Visits: Evenings after 18:00 are free—ideal for gym or swim sessions.
Weather Alert: Western bays can pool in heavy rain—opt for eastern rows near lighting.
? Future Developments & Planning
2025 Q3: Install 4×7 kW EV charging bays funded by council grant
2025 Q4: Upgrade to cashless-only digital pay-stations
2026: Feasibility study for +30 bays on adjacent land (ref: UDC/PLN/2024/991)
Accessibility Audit: PAS 1899 compliance review scheduled for Jan 2026
Low fine activity reported by drivers.
No user price reports submitted yet for this car park.
Verified driver and visitor experiences for Swan Meadow Car Park – The Complete Saffron Walden Parking Guide.
Have you visited or used this space? Share your experience with the community below.
Closest parking spaces ordered by exact mileage distance from this location.
Explore verified UK parking management companies, service providers, and operators.
Anyone nearby or on another device can scan this QR code directly from your display to open the full listing, live navigation, tariff details, and contact information.
Generate an official, high-resolution PMN UK sign poster. You can send it directly to your office printer or save it as a clean PDF to laminate for payment machines, entrance barriers, or customer windows.
Display an official verified listing badge on your business website. It provides visitors with instant verification and a high-authority backlink.
