Come to, not through Dunstable - free parking set up

That’s the message from the town council after securing a parking coup.

Councillors have now arranged for free parking on Tuesday afternoons in the town in a bid to encourage more people to stay and shop locally.

Dunstable’s Joint Committee, comprising of councillors from Central Beds Council and Dunstable Town Council, and representatives from town organisations, retailers and businesses are currently undertaking a short survey on the proposals for free parking, made at the last Full Council meeting at Central Beds Council.

Cllr Carole Hegley, Chairman of the Committee said: “We now have details of the offer which is two hours once a week, either on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday and between 10-12noon, 1-3pm or 4-6pm.

“We think Monday is normally a quiet day in town, so Tuesday or Thursday could be helpful, and if it was 1-3pm could attract workers in their lunchbreak, those finishing work at lunchtime, those doing a bit of shopping prior to the school run etc. but we would welcome views on our short survey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/7WMCXZK

“We want to confirm the choice to Central Beds Council so that this can be incorporated, when the prices change from January.”

But a scheme is already being introduced for two hours free parking on Tuesdays at the Wilkinson car park in the town.

It will be from 1-3pm and campaigners are hoping it will encourage people to stop in town during their lunch break after work or before the school run.

Cllr Gloria Martin, the Committee’s Vice Chairman said: “It only applies to the Wilkinson car park and can only be taken on these days/times, to minimise loss of income for Central Beds Council, so we are trying to suggest the best/time for residents and local retailers and then will promote it. ”