Bedford borough residents are challenging the council’s decision to replace physical parking permits and visitor permit books for those who live in Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ) with an online-only system.
They argue that the change, which was announced in September 2024, was introduced without consultation and disproportionately affects elderly and vulnerable individuals living in these areas.
The Midland Road Area Residents’ Association (MARA) has submitted a petition, signed by 309 residents, to Mayor Tom Wootton (Conservative) urging the council to reconsider its decision and reinstate physical permits.
MARA said many people lack internet access or struggle with online applications, making the new system a barrier to independent living.
The council announced the transition to virtual permits for Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ) in September, promoting it as a “streamlined and convenient” solution for managing parking.
The permits now covered by virtual payments are
- Resident parking permit
- Visitor parking permit
- Business parking permits
- Waivers
- Parking permits for healthcare workers
- Parking permits for voluntary organisations
- Car park season tickets
While Bedfordians can park in on-street council spaces and pay via an app, payment by road-side machine remains by available.
According to the council, the new system offers benefits such as instant activation, flexibility, reduced paper waste, and improved accuracy.
A spokesperson for MARA criticised the move, arguing: “The council failed to consult residents before implementation, many permit holders only received an undated letter informing them of the changes after they had already been introduced, leaving some confused about how to manage their parking.”
“Flexible and convenient”
Some residents, however, welcomed the move. “It’s much more flexible and convenient,” says one homeowner in Black Tom where the virtual parking permits have also been rolled out.
“Previously we would run out of some paper permits and be left with a surfeit of others. While I sympathise with anyone who isn’t online, this feels like a much better system.”
But MARA argues that they place an “unfair burden” on those who are “not tech-savvy” and does not provide a true alternative for those who prefer paper permits.
The spokesperson continued, “I asked how the council arrived at the statement that there are “a small minority” who are not able to apply online, I asked where they obtained the figures.
“I was referred to the Good Things Foundation report and Digital Exclusion Risk Index (DERI) and told to put in a freedom of information request if I wanted further information.
“Neither of these reports show me anything with regard to Bedford.”
MARA said the printed visitor parking books allowed residents to pre-pay for guest parking in a “simple and flexible way”.
Under the new system, residents must now allocate visitor parking hours online, which petitioners say is inconvenient for those without internet access.
The MARA spokesperson said one resident was told they had to log in every day while on holiday to arrange for parking for their cat-sitter.”
The council will be debating the petition during its next meeting (26 February).
Bedford Borough Council was approached for a comment, but residents who lack digital access are advised to seek help from friends or family members or book an appointment for digital assistance at the Bedford Borough Hub.
Additional reporting by John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
Update: This article was updated at 12:03 on Saturday, 22 February 2025 to clarify which parking permits are now virtual.
