CPZ Controlled Parking Zones

Bedford's Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) is an area where parking regulations have been introduced to deal with a range of parking problems. Designated parking bays are provided with signs indicating their use. Yellow line restrictions – single and double – apply outside the designated bays.

Parking restrictions in the CPZ

It is the responsibility of the driver to check when restrictions operate and park legally.

With the exception of zones J and K, parking restrictions apply from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

Zone J restrictions apply from 9.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Zone K has restrictions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Zone	Restriction
A, B, C, D, E, G, M, N	8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday
J	9:30am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday
K	24 hours, 7 days a week

Each type of bay has its own restriction sign next to it, which may be sited on a post, wall or street light column. The signs detail the zone, who can use it and the hours when restrictions apply. It is important to check this sign before leaving your vehicle.

Large zone entry signs also inform drivers they are entering a CPZ area, and indicate the times the CPZ operates.

Enforcement in the CPZ

Enforcement of the bays and lines is carried out by the Council’s Civil Enforcement Officers.

Vehicles must display / have one of the following to park in the designated bays:

display a valid parking permit or have a virtual parking permit
display a valid pay-and-display ticket
display a Visitor Voucher or have a virtual visitor parking session
display a Disabled Badge

If a vehicle is parked in contravention of a Traffic Regulation Order, for example, by parking in the wrong place or failing to display a valid parking permit/ticket, the vehicle will be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). PCN charges are £70 or £50, depending on the nature of the contravention.

You can find out more about permits on our Parking permits pages.

Advantages of the CPZ

fair distribution of parking spaces for local residents
creates a more pleasant residential environment by reducing the number of vehicles looking for a parking space in your street
general reduction in traffic congestion and pollution
improved public transport reliability
easier for visitors, medical and caring staff can find parking more easily
greater turnover of parking spaces in shopping areas to the benefit of local traders and shoppers
reduction in illegal parking on yellow lines
improvement in security as Civil Enforcement Officers are conspicuous as they patrol the street.

As the CPZ is required to be self-financing, it will not be funded from local taxation and any surpluses will be used to fund improvements to alternative modes of transport, particularly public transport.