New figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request have revealed that Bedford Borough Council has collected over £460,000 from residential parking permits over the past five years, with prices rising by 28% since 2020.
According to data released by online used car retailer cinch, the cost of a first residential parking permit in Bedford has risen from £25 in 2020 to £32.05 in 2024.
Fees for additional vehicles have also increased – second permits now cost £93.50 (up from £73), and third permits have climbed from £94 to £120.40, a rise of 39%.
Over the same period, the number of permits issued has grown by 16%, rising from 2,587 in 2020 to 3,005 this year. The largest single-year increase occurred between 2022 and 2023, when demand jumped by more than 10%.
Here’s how much Bedford Borough Council has generated from residential parking permits in the past five years:
- 2020: £91,156
- 2021: £91,365 (+0.2%)
- 2022: £87,425 (-4.3%)
- 2023: £105,906 (+21%)
- 2024: £86,666 (-18%)
Multi-car households most affected
Despite issuing more permits in 2024 than ever before, overall income from permits dropped by 18% compared to the previous year.
A spokesperson for Bedford Borough Council said that permit pricing has increased “in line with inflation,” adding that the system is designed to ensure availability of parking for all households living in Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs).
“We endeavour to ensure that there is parking available for all households living in CPZ areas, which is why we have a graduated cost for each vehicle permit,” they said. “We prioritise this over maximising revenue for the Council.”
Motoring editor at cinch, Sam Sheehan, said: “Parking permits can be great for making sure residents have somewhere to park near their homes, but there should be a balance between affordability and accessibility.
“Multi-car households are often the most affected. Second and third permits come at a premium and can be as much as four times more expensive than a first permit in some areas.”
