A NEW strategy is being developed for parking across Central Bedfordshire and people are being encouraged to have their say.

Central Bedfordshire Council’s (CBC) strategy suggests prioritising short stay parking on sites within an acceptable walking distance of shops, including an appropriate level of disabled parking bays.

The council is also looking to encourage more long stay parking for commuters on the outskirts of town centres and close to train stations.

The plans look at on-street parking and residents’ needs to be able to park near their homes. This could see the creation of more Residents’ Parking Zones and will also include parking standards to ensure any new development has an appropriate provision of spaces.

A consultation questionnaire and strategy document is available at all libraries, council offices and customer contact centres across Central Bedfordshire until February 24. It is also available online at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/consultations

Cllr Brian Spurr, CBC’s executive member for sustainable communities services, said: “Parking is often one of the most controversial issues in a community and can cause real problems.

“Central Bedfordshire Council wants to get its parking plan right, and the only way we can do that is to ask the people who matter what they want.

“Please take the time to fill in the survey - it should only take five minutes, but could make a real difference to your community.”