🚗 YourParkingSpace – Cardington Road Bedford Car Park Guide
Secure reservable bays on Cardington Road, Bedford MK42 0BG – 24/7 app-based access just a 5-minute stroll to Bedford town centre, station & riverside attractions.
🚗 Type: Private Pre-Book Surface Car Park
🕒 Open: 24 hours, 7 days a week
🌟 Rating: 4.4 / 5 (YourParkingSpace user average)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Pre-Book Hourly: From £2.50 / hr
Pre-Book Day Rate: From £12.00 / day
Monthly Permit: From £90.00 / month (bulk-rate)
Payment: Secure online booking via YourParkingSpace app or website; pay on arrival by QR code if unreserved
Cancellation: Free up to 1 hr before arrival; nominal fee thereafter
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~50 marked bays |
| Disabled Bays | 3 marked Blue Badge bays |
| Surface | Level tarmac |
| Lighting | Perimeter LED floodlights |
| Security | Gated entry via rolling barrier & CCTV |
| Height Limit | None (suitable for vans) |
♿ Accessibility
Step-free access from pavement to bays
Wide marked disabled bays adjacent to gatehouse
Drop-Off Zone: Short single-yellow curb by barrier entrance (observe local restrictions)
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None
Nearest Options (5-min walk):
Bedford Railway Station Car Park: 18× mixed-speed chargers
Town Centre Car Park (Bedford St): 4× 7 kW chargers
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy (Estimates)
| Timeframe | Occupancy | User Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 08:00–10:00 | 85 % | Commuters & town-centre workers |
| Weekdays 12:00–14:00 | 60 % | Lunchtime shoppers |
| Weekdays 17:00–19:00 | 70 % | Evening leisure visitors |
| Saturdays 10:00–14:00 | 90 % | Weekend shoppers |
| Sundays 11:00–15:00 | 65 % | Riverside walkers |
Pro Tip: Pre-book your bay for weekday mornings to guarantee a spot.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Bedford Railway Station | 5 min | Trains to London, Birmingham & beyond |
| Bedford Town Centre | 5 min | Shops, cafés & Market Square |
| Embankment Gardens | 7 min | Scenic riverside park & bandstand |
| Bedford Corn Exchange Theatre | 6 min | Live performances & cinema |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
Essentials
Public toilets: Corn Exchange (next door)
ATM: Nationwide (Mosley St, 5 min)
Pharmacy: Boots (Harpur Centre, 6 min)
Food & Drink
Café Nero (Mosley St)
The Embankment Café (parkside)
Wetherspoon’s (Queen’s Park Centre)
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bedford Station Car Park | 0.2 mi | £1.50 / hr; £6 / day | 24 h | EV charging, pay-and-display |
| Town Centre Car Park (Bedford St) | 0.3 mi | £1.00 / hr; £5 / day | 24 h | On-site EV chargers |
| Thomas Street Car Park | 0.4 mi | Free after 3 pm | 10 h | Late-day free parking |
⚠️ Important Notices
Reservation Required: Unreserved bays may be released; always book ahead for peak times
Enforcement: CCTV-monitored; fines for misuse or overstay
Maintenance: Quarterly surface checks; next due July 2025
📌 Expert Tips
Monthly Savings: Opt for a monthly permit if parking > 15 days/month to reduce cost per day
QR-Code Pay: If you forget to pre-book, scan on-site QR to secure a bay at daily rate
Bay Choice: Middle rows fill fastest—book edge bays for easier access
🔮 Future Developments
2025: Proposal to add 5 EV charging bays under Bedford’s Low-Emission Neighbourhood initiative
2026: Installation of real-time bay-vacancy display at entrance
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