Discounted Parking Scheme for Night-time Economy

Published on: 26 May, 2025
Updated on: 28 May, 2025

Bedford Road Car Park. Picture: GBC

An initiative to support local businesses and their employees by providing affordable and convenient parking options for night-time staff has been launched.

Guildford Borough Council has introduced the scheme in collaboration with Experience Guildford, the town’s Business Improvement District (BID).

BID levy-paying businesses can apply for discounted parking permits that allow staff to park from 3pm to 7am, seven days a week. This initial scheme is a trial, with a maximum of 100 permits available to support those working in the pubs, restaurants, clubs and all night-time venues.

Terms and Conditions of the scheme

Permits are linked to car registration and are non-transferable.
Businesses must inform Experience Guildford if staff members leave.
The £150 fee is pre-payable and non-refundable.
Eligible car parks include Bedford Road MSCP, Bedford Road Surface CP, Bright Hill CP, GLive CP, High Street CP, Leapale Road CP, Mary Road CP, Millbrook CP
Portsmouth Road and North Street are specifically excluded as they are part-time pay and display car parks along with pay-on-foot car parks. Nor does the scheme apply in the barrier pay-on-foot car parks.

Amanda Masters, CEO Experience Guildford

Amanda Masters, CEO of Experience Guildford, said: “This joint parking initiative is a huge step forward for the hospitality BID levy payers in Guildford town.

“We’ve been working really hard to make this happen, and I hope that our night-time economy will make good use of it.”

Catherine Houston, lead GBC councillor for Commercial Services, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to work together and deliver this trial parking scheme.

Cllr Catherine Houston

“We believe it will greatly benefit our night-time economy by providing affordable parking options when public transport is not available. We encourage all eligible businesses to apply and take advantage of this opportunity for their staff.

“This partnership with Experience Guildford is a tangible example of how collaboration can drive change and achieve positive outcomes. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have on our night-time economy particularly those working in the retail, leisure and hospitality industries.”